As states like Ohio begin to adjust to their new adult-use rules and influx of new customers, many cannabis companies are looking South.
Kentucky’s medical cannabis program is rapidly advancing as the state prepares for the full rollout at the beginning of 2025. 4,998 applications applications have been received by businesses seeking licenses to operate in the state’s medical cannabis industry. Governer Andy Beshear, an outspoken supporter of cannabis reform in the Bluegrass state, in 2022 issued an executive order to protect citizens that use medicinal cannabis brought into Kentucky from other states like Ohio, Illinois and Michigan. He then signed legislation in March 2023 to make Kentucky the 38th state to legalize medical cannabis and start a state-run program.
Most Applicants Filed In Days Just Before August 31st Deadline
Most of the applications the Kentucky office of Medical Cannabis received were submitted in the final days before the August 31 deadline, underscoring both the high level of interest in the program and the uncertainty of municipality moratoriums across the state.
This overwhelming response included applications for dispensaries, cultivators, processors, and testing labs, but most were dispensary applications. Said Beshear: “The vast majority of these are for dispensaries, and the vast majority of those applications came in really in the last 24, if not 48 hours, before the deadline. This is significantly more than any initial projection.”
Drawing for Cultivators/Processors on October 28th
Kentucky’s medical cannabis program applicants will vie for just 74 available licenses that will be awarded through lottery drawings beginning this month. The drawing for cultivators and processors for the Kentucky Medical Cannabis program will be on October 28th.
The program will prioritize patients with qualifying conditions, such as chronic or debilitating pain, cancer, PTSD, and multiple sclerosis. Also, patients can qualify with any other medical condition or disease that the Kentucky Center for Cannabis determines is therapeutic.
Cardholder Requirements for Patients
Those applying for a medical cannabis card must be a resident of Kentucky and either at least 18 years of age or have an assigned caregiver. Cardholders must obtain a written certification from a medical practitioner indicating they have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition and would benefit from the treatment of medical cannabis. One unusual qualification is that cardholders must not have been convicted of a felony offense. Kentuckians may not grow cannabis at home and may not operate a vehicle under the influence of cannabis.
To get the latest about Kentucky’s medical cannabis program, visit us at MedicateKY.com. Fill in your email here to receive our MedicateOH/MedicateKY newsletter in your inbox each Monday.
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