MY OLD KENTUCKY OM –
March 13, 2024 – Kentucky’s new attorney general, Russell Coleman, has urged a commission tasked with fighting drug abuse to “step back” from a proposal to invest in a psychedelic drug as a possible treatment for opioid addiction.
Kentucky had 2,135 overdose deaths in 2022, down more than 5% from the prior year and the first statewide decline since 2018. The increased prevalence of fentanyl — a powerful synthetic opioid — is blamed by officials as a key factor behind the state’s high death toll. Potent, inexpensive methamphetamine is seen as another significant contributor.
Coleman urged the commission to pursue innovations that “push the boundaries of addiction response,” and said he would like to see the group establish a $5 million pool for research and innovation grants.
“With a new fund tailored to big ideas, Kentucky can keep pushing the outer limit in this space,” he said. “And if someone brings forward an ibogaine research proposal that fits the criteria of this new innovative grant program, I hope the commission would give it full and fair consideration.”
The attorney general appoints some of the commission members under state law, and Coleman has named a new executive director.
Kentucky secured more than $800 million as part of settlements with companies for their roles in the opioid addiction crisis. Half of Kentucky’s settlement will go directly to cities and counties. The commission oversees the state’s half and has started awarding funding to grassroots groups that specialize in drug prevention, treatment and recovery services.
