Kentucky Governor Announces Key Updates on Medical Cannabis Legislation Ahead of 2025 Launch

Frankfort, Ky. – In a significant move towards enhancing healthcare access, Governor Andy Beshear announced key updates regarding medical cannabis legislation in the state of Kentucky. The legalization of medical cannabis is set to officially commence in January of 2025, a step that Beshear emphasizes reflects his administration’s ongoing commitment to the health and safety of Kentuckians.

Having signed Senate Bill 47 over a year ago, which established the legal framework for medical cannabis, Beshear highlighted that the need for accessible healthcare solutions is pressing. “Knowing that patients need access to life-changing medications sooner rather than later, our administration wanted to ensure we were capable of issuing licenses this year,” he stated.

This year, the state began accepting applications for business licenses related to medical cannabis. With over 5,000 applications received, only 48 licenses will be awarded. On Thursday, Beshear issued the state’s first medical cannabis business license to KCA Labs in Nicholasville. According to KCA Labs’ CEO, Jonathan Thompson, the company is committed to providing reliable compliance data and ensuring that licensed businesses adhere to state safety requirements for medical cannabis products.

Looking ahead, Governor Beshear announced that a lottery for cultivator and processor licenses is scheduled for October 28. Applicants for the cultivator tiers one, two, and three, as well as for processors, will be informed the week prior regarding their approval to participate in the lottery.

While specifics regarding the lottery for dispensary licenses have not yet been disclosed, Beshear indicated that progress is being made, and it is likely to occur in November.

This series of initiatives marks a critical step in establishing a regulated medical cannabis framework in Kentucky, aiming to provide patients with essential health solutions while fostering community safety and welfare.