As Kentucky moves towards implementing its medical cannabis program, local governments have significant decision-making power. It is vitally important to inform citizens about their options regarding medical cannabis businesses in their municipalities and the steps necessary to overturn local ordinances prohibiting these businesses.

The medical cannabis business is growing quickly across the country, and a recent bill signed by Gov. Beshear creates a structure for Kentuckians looking to participate and utilize the industry.

House Bill 829 addresses concerns raised by last year’s Senate Bill 47, which made the start date for Kentucky’s medical cannabis business Jan. 1, 2025.

Lawmakers in the House and Senate have approved legislation, Senate Bill 829, imposing new restrictions on patients’ ability to access medical cannabis products. The bill awaits action from Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear.

On March 12, legislation that would impose multiple barriers on medical marijuana access in Kentucky passed through the House and on to the Senate. Among other stipulations, the proposed bill would make many people convicted of drug possession ineligible for the state’s medical marijuana program.

Medical cannabis advocates and enthusiasts gathered from across the commonwealth at Grise Hall at Western Kentucky University Tuesday evening to discuss legislation and the future of medical cannabis in the commonwealth.

Issue 2 passed in Ohio, which will legalize recreational marijuana in the state. There are now many Kentuckians eager to travel across the Ohio River to take advantage of the new law.

The Kentucky General Assembly legalized medical marijuana this year, but patients will have to wait until 2025 before they can get it in the state. “Most importantly, we just want everybody to remember to be patient,” Lauren Bratcher, deputy director of Kentucky NORML told FOX 56.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Friday signed a bill to legalize medical marijuana, making the Bluegrass State the 38th in the nation to approve the medicinal use of cannabis for patients with serious health conditions. The Democratic governor, who had repeatedly called on lawmakers to legalize medical marijuana, signed the measure, Senate Bill 47, at a ceremony in Frankfort on Friday morning

Earlier today, Kentucky became the 38th state to legalize medical cannabis when Governor Andy Beshear (D) signed Senate Bill 47 into law. The victory follows failed attempts to pass similar legislation in 2020 and 2022.