Gov. Beshear gives update on Ky. medical cannabis program

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) – 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.

Under the prior plan, businesses would have started functioning on the same day qualifying patients could access medical cannabis, but now, qualifying businesses can start that process six months earlier.

“We believe that anybody who is interested in being a part of this exciting new industry should have the opportunity to do so as long as they can do it safely and meet the necessary criteria,” said Gov. Andy Beshear.

Gov. Beshear said businesses could start applying to be licensed on July 1, with the application requiring information such as business history, ownership information and financial information.

He said the first round of licensing will be conducted in October based on a lottery system.

“It creates a more fair process,” said Gov. Beshear. “Not one where people bid against each other and only then the big companies can be a part of it, but one that provides at least a chance for everyone who can meet the criteria.”

According to Gov. Beshear, the bill can be built upon in the future as the medical cannabis industry continues to evolve. However, the bill is not without its share of critiques.

“Having the timeline moved up is great. I think that’s a fantastic way to get things going, to get the licensing process getting going,” said Matthew Bratcher, executive director of Kentucky NORML. “Among the more problematic provisions it subjects patients to criminal background checks prior to entering the cannabis registry.”

For now, Gov. Beshear said the focus is on prioritizing safety in the budding medical cannabis industry.

“We need the time to make sure that we are in every step of the enforcement in this process to make sure that it is safe,” he said.

More information about the program can be found on the Team Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program website.

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