The University of Kentucky has now further extended its studies into the medical potential of cannabis.
On Wednesday, the Lexington institution announced the establishment of the UK Cannabis Center, a new addition to the University located within the UK College of Medicine’s Center on Drug and Alcohol Research.
The University says that the new centre will effectively build upon research that has already been taking place there.
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The new facility was enabled to be established by Kentucky House Bill 604, a new law from the 2022 legislative session enabling the centre to receive US$2 million in appropriations during the course of the next two years.
The UK Cannabis Center was created with the intention of benefitting the overall health of residents within the state. The institution also says that the new centre will assist with educating legislators, medical providers and citizens about the possible benefits and risks associated with using pot and cannabinoid derivatives.
“The legislature is interested in having us explore the conditions for which medical cannabis might be useful, as well as the most effective dosing and route of administration for each condition,” said Shanna Babalonis, director of the UK Cannabis Center.
“The new center will allow us to expand our clinical research, particularly focusing on medical conditions that may be helped by medical cannabis.”
The aforementioned bill enabling the centre to receive funding will also require it to apply to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration for a license to grow and cultivate the plant. If and once approved, the UK Cannabis Center will also be permitted to engage in agricultural studies assessing optimal growing conditions.
