Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program Set to Launch in January 2025 with Local Ballot Measures Awaiting Voter Approval

PARIS, Ky. – Kentucky’s Medical Cannabis Program is slated to commence operations on January 1, 2025, providing legal access to medicinal cannabis for eligible Kentuckians statewide. Governor Andy Beshear has highlighted the program’s potential to enhance healthcare accessibility across the commonwealth.

In preparation for this rollout, Sam Flynn, Executive Director of the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program, announced that 103 jurisdictions will have medical cannabis related measures on ballots in the upcoming election. These measures will determine whether sales of medicinal cannabis at licensed dispensaries will be permitted in their respective areas.

Flynn also clarified that residents living in regions that opt out of the medical cannabis program will still have the right to purchase their prescribed medication in neighboring counties that have approved its sale. “Those folks can still purchase medical cannabis in another county, come back to a jurisdiction which has voted to say, ‘no we don’t want these businesses to operate,’ possess and utilize their medication in their home counties,” Flynn stated during a hearing in Frankfort.

Counties within WKYT’s viewing area that will present a medical cannabis question include Anderson, Bourbon, Clark, Clay, Jackson, Knox, Menifee, Mercer, Morgan, Scott, and Woodford. Additionally, cities such as Millersburg, North Middletown, Manchester, London, Mount Vernon, Georgetown, and Monticello are also included in this initiative.

The specific wording of the medical cannabis question for each jurisdiction remains consistent. For example, the inquiry for Bourbon County asks, “Are you in favor of the sale of medicinal cannabis at a licensed dispensary and the operation of other cannabis businesses in Bourbon County?” Similarly, Millersburg’s question reads, “Are you in favor of the sale of medicinal cannabis at a licensed dispensary and the operation of other cannabis businesses in the City of Millersburg?” Voters can respond with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for each question, allowing for a combination of answers.

County clerks across Kentucky are encouraging residents to take advantage of the state’s three days of in-person, no-excuse absentee voting. This early voting is scheduled for October 31, November 1, and November 2, ahead of Election Day on November 5. In Bourbon County, early voting will be conducted at Legion Park from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.

For information about additional early voting sites and polling places, residents can visit the Kentucky Secretary of State’s website.