Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear last week provided an update on progress towards his state’s upcoming medical cannabis program.
In an effort to address Kentucky’s opioid epidemic and to provide patients with more and safer options for relief from pain, Gov. Andy Beshear signed Senate Bill 47 on March 31, 2023, legalizing medical cannabis in the commonwealth effective Jan. 1, 2025; with interim arrangements in place.
While still a year off, there’s plenty of work to do to get things into shape.
On Friday, the Beshear Administration filed its first ten regulations for the program; providing a framework for how related businesses will operate.
These new rules will provide guidance on how cannabis products will be packaged, labelled, transported, advertised and tested. The regulations will ensure Kentucky’s medical cannabis program is safe and accessible for all patients said the Governor. Regulations surrounding applications for business licences will be published in the coming weeks and months.
The Governor also warned of the increasing incidence of medical cannabis card scams. In order to purchase and possess medicines under the program, patients will need to register for a card – but that process is yet to be established. During this period before the program comes into effect, there is no need for a medical marijuana card as a doctor’s certification suffices.
“We’ve been made aware of reports there are businesses not licensed or affiliated with the Commonwealth that are advertising for medical marijuana cards for a fee,” he said.
Governor Beshear also announced a significant expansion of qualifying conditions approved unanimously by the state’s two independent advisory boards. Initially starting with seven conditions including chronic pain and cancer, another fifteen have been added to the list. With the new conditions, an additional 437,000+ Kentuckians will qualify for the program.
“This is a crucial step,” said the Governor.
Under Kentucky’s program, allowable medical cannabis products will include edibles, oils, tinctures, vapes, and raw plant material. However, smoking cannabis will not be allowed. Registered qualified patients with a current medical card will be permitted to possess a 30-day supply of medicines.
