Governor Beshear signed two executive orders for cannabis in Kentucky

11/15/2022

​Today, Governor Beshear signed two cannabis-related executive orders. The first allows patients who have been diagnosed with a qualifying condition to possess up to 8 ounces of medical cannabis legally obtained from dispensaries in states that offer reciprocity. The second order pertains to the regulation the sale of delta-8 products.

The first order will take effect starting on January 1, 2023.

“Kentuckians suffering from chronic and terminal conditions are going to be able to get the treatment they need without living in fear of a misdemeanor,” Beshear said. “With 37 states already legalizing medical cannabis and 90% of Kentucky adults supporting it, I am doing what I can to provide access and relief to those who meet certain conditions and need it to better enjoy their life, without pain.”

“Each person must also have a certification from a licensed healthcare provider that shows the individual has been diagnosed with at least one of 21 medical conditions, which include cancer, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, muscular dystrophy, a terminal illness and others,” the governor said. “You must keep a copy of your certification.”

The second order concerns delta-8. 

“Right now, there are no checks on how it’s packaged and or sold,” Beshear said. “So we must establish a regulatory structure to ensure that delta-8 is sold, packaged and purchased safely in the Commonwealth.”
The executive action on patient access “will serve as a template for when the General Assembly fully legalizes medical cannabis,” the governor said, adding that it “means we can have the right regulations in place and it means we can accelerate any timeline in the future when the General Assembly does the right and necessary thing to fully legalized medical cannabis.”

This is an exciting development in the future of cannabis reform in Kentucky. We will continue to share details about this executive order as they become available.

Press Release HERE
Executive Order on Medical Cannabis HERE
Executive Order on Delta 8 HERE

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by Kentucky NORML

Working to Reform Marijuana Laws since 2017