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    A bill that could potentially legalize the medicinal use of marijuana in the state of Kentucky was introduced in the Kentucky State Senate two weeks ago.

    Considering that Blue is not the only color grass that grows in our fine state, the introduction of this act is considerably overdue.

    This act was introduced by Senator Barry B. Clark (D) who represents Louisville's 37th district and sits on the health and welfare committee of the Kentucky State Senate. His proposed bill, Senate Bill #129 would give doctors the ability to prescribe up to 5 ounces of marijuana to their patients, per month, or they could choose to cultivate up to 5 marijuana plants. There is also a provision stating that pharmacies that wish to dispense the drug go under state certification. Several other states, including Pennsylvania, Indiana and Ohio are presently considering legislation to legalize weed for medical use, or decriminalize possessing small amounts. 

    Senate bill #129 is also known as the Gatewood Galbraith Memorial Medical Marijuana Act. Gatewood Galbraith was lawyer from Kentucky and an avid supporter of marijuana legalization. Mr. Galbraith passed away early this January.

    Senator Clark's office has pulled out a pretty solid fact about how Americans feel about legalizing pot for medicinal use. A 2010 poll conducted by ABC News and the Washington Post, showed that 81% of Americans polled are totally cool with legalizing herb, and making it a medicine, man. 

    All jokes aside, there are various scientific studies with results which show marijuana as a healing agent. Not only will it cut down symptoms that might make sense to folks familiar with the drug, but burn victims have used hemp oil to aid in the healing process of 3rd degree burns. Weed is often praised by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy for reducing nausea, and increasing appetite. People who suffer from multiple sclerosis and AIDS often find that a pot prescription helps ease their symptoms. Senator Clark stated, “I want to allow this as another treatment option for those individuals.”

    Uses are not limited to those undergoing a physical disease or disorder, either. Many individuals living in the 16 states where medical use of marijuana is already decriminalized for medical use, are prescribed pot to treat their psychological issues. People who suffer from depression, severe anxiety and other psychological issues are using medical marijuana to cope with their pathology, with positive results and a few fun side-effects.

    Image: m_bartosch / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

    Louisville.com's The Arena section features opinions from active participants in the city's politics. Their viewpoints are not those of Louisville.com (a website is an inanimate object and, as such, has no opinions).

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