Some Ky. communities opt-out of Kentucky’s medical cannabis program

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) – In March 2023, Gov. Andy Beshear signed Senate Bill 47, which legalizes medical cannabis in Kentucky starting January 1, 2025.

In April, he set up regulations to establish processes and procedures for medical cannabis businesses and registered cardholders.

The governor’s office says the intent of the program is to provide safe and affordable access to medical cannabis.

“I fully expect there to be a whole lot more come out because there’s been a lot of interest in this emerging market from within and from out,” said Matthew Bratcher, executive director of Kentucky NORML.

Kentucky’s Office of Medical Cannabis says they have received 196 total applications as of August 21, including 138 dispensaries, 26 tier I cultivators and 17 processors.

Bratcher said there could be even more applicants before the August 31 deadline.

Maps that details which counties and cities have currently opted in/out of the program, along with which counties and cities will have a ballot resolution this Nov. on the topic, can be found on the Team Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis website.

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