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.

When Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear indicated last May he would be issuing an executive order on legalizing medical cannabis, leaders in the state’s General Assembly accused him of overstepping the constitutional separation of powers.

For some advocates, it’s been nearly 10 years since they started working towards legalizing medical cannabis in Kentucky. Friday morning, Governor Andy Beshear signed Senate Bill 47 making medical marijuana use and sale legal in the state starting in 2025. What exactly does that mean for Kentuckians? Kentucky now joins 37 other states that have enacted medical marijuana access.

Members of the House and Senate have approved legislation, Senate Bill 47, regulating the production and dispensing of cannabis products to authorized patients.

Kentucky House and Senate lawmakers have approved legislation, Senate Bill 47, establishing a medical cannabis access program for qualified patients with an authorization from their physician.

Bills that would legalize medical cannabis have stalled in the Kentucky Legislature for years, but advocates say this might be the session that the policy finally passes into law. Senate Bill 47 was assigned to the Senate Licensing and Occupations Committee last week – a development advocates say marks a small step forward for the cause after years of disappointment.

These two bills, SB 266 and SB 269, aim to regulate the possession and use of intoxicating hemp products. SB 266 proposes to prohibit individuals under the age of 21 from possessing such products, while SB 269 seeks to prevent driving under the influence of these substances.

Kentucky Senate Bill 47 is seen as a continuation of the previous discussions around medical cannabis as proposed by Rep. Nemes in previous legislative sessions. Although it has some flaws, such as the absence of home grows for patients and caregivers, no employment protections for medical cannabis patients, and the mandated use of pharmacists in dispensaries, these issues are not insurmountable.

When Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced his executive order granting preemptive pardons for possession of marijuana for patients suffering from certain medical conditions, he said the move would allow people “to get the help they need without living in fear of being charged with a misdemeanor.”