(1) The Cabinet for Health and Family Services shall conduct research into all aspects of controlled substances as defined in KRS 218A.010 in coordination with the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy.
(2) The Cabinet for Health and Family Services may authorize persons engaged in research on the use and effects of dangerous substances to withhold the names and other identifying characteristics of persons who are subjects of such research. Persons who obtain this authorization may not be compelled in any state civil, criminal, administrative, legislative, or other proceeding to identify the subjects of research for which such authorization was obtained.
(3) The Cabinet for Health and Family Services may authorize the possession and distribution of controlled dangerous substances by persons engaged in research. Persons who obtain this authorization shall be exempt from state prosecution for possession and distribution of dangerous substances to the extent authorized by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.