A small town in eastern Kentucky will not participate in the state’s medical marijuana program. Wayland, in Floyd County, has a population of about 400. Mayor Jerry Fultz said he and the city commission spoke to the city attorney and police chief before voting unanimously to opt out on August 8.
“I don't doubt there's a need for it. I'm not necessarily against it. I just don't think the city of Wayland is ready for it at this time.”
The state law legalizing medical cannabis allows doctors to prescribe it for several conditions, ranging from cancer to PTSD. Fultz said he believes it does benefit some people.
“The easy way out for us, and probably the right feeling, according to the commission, was, well, let's opt out, and then if we decide if there is this groundswell of support, and we change our minds, we see that this really needs to happen, we can opt in.”
Fultz said they’ll wait to see how cities and counties that opted in are faring. Medical marijuana businesses can begin operations in Kentucky on January 1 – after being licensed.
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