A government task force of Kentuckians is focusing on a proposal that will legalize medical marijuana in Kentucky.

Secretary of State Alison Grimes announced Wednesday that this task force will study and propose potential ways to implement and regulate medical marijuana if legalized.

"Too many Kentuckians are suffering from debilitating physical and mental illnesses. Most have lives with the effects of these illnesses for year," Grimes said. "We must do more to relieve their pain and suffering, and there is significant evidence that cannabis is beneficial for these individuals, especially veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress."

Members of Kentucky's medical community, law enforcement, state agencies, medical marijuana advocates, and military veterans will be part of this new task force.

"Kentucky is getting left behind on this issue," said State Representative John Sims, who is co-chairing the task force with Grimes. "Already 29 states and the District of Columbia have enacted medical marijuana legislation to help their people."

Officials say significant evidence exists showing marijuana counters side effects of a large number of illnesses and diseases. This includes cancer, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Crohn's disease, hepatitis C and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Sims said, "The research is done. The studies have been conducted. It works, and it's time we end our idling and start having conversatioms to bring medical marijuana to the Commonwealth."

"2018 is and must be the year when Kentucky steps up on medical marijuana," Grimes said. "We have to get this done to help Kentuckians who are hurting."