Kentucky Opens Applications for Medical Cannabis Businesses

Kentucky’s medical cannabis program is making significant strides to expedite access for those with qualifying conditions. Governor Andy Beshear announced on Thursday that the state will begin accepting applications from prospective medical cannabis businesses starting next Monday, July 1, a full six months ahead of the original schedule.

Accelerated Access Timeline

Governor Andy Beshear emphasized the administration’s dedication to expediting the medical cannabis program’s timeline. “This administration has been working hard to expedite the timeline for making medical cannabis available to Kentuckians with serious medical conditions,” Beshear said. “I am pleased to report that Team Kentucky will begin accepting applications from prospective medical cannabis businesses beginning next Monday, July 1 – a full six months ahead of schedule.”

The initial licensing application period will end on August 31, giving businesses two months to submit their applications.

Resources for Applicants

To support prospective businesses, the program has issued a series of YouTube webinars, a Business Licensing Application Guide, and other helpful materials. These resources are available on the program’s website, aimed at making the application process as smooth as possible. “The program is focused on ensuring cannabis business licensing is fair, transparent, and customer-service oriented,” said Sam Flynn, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis.

Medical Certification Applications

In addition to business applications, Kentucky’s Board of Medical Licensure and Board of Nursing will begin accepting applications from physicians and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) seeking to become authorized to write medical cannabis certifications. These applications will open on Monday under the new regulations now in effect. The program is partnering with these boards to ensure that Kentuckians will have access to authorized medical professionals near them.

Patients, however, will not be able to apply for a medical cannabis card until January 1, 2025.

Commitment to Access and Safety

Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Eric Friedlander reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring safe and affordable access to medical cannabis. “The Beshear administration is committed to ensuring Kentuckians with qualifying medical conditions have safe, affordable access to medical cannabis,” Friedlander said.

Legislative Background

The accelerated timeline follows a series of legislative and regulatory actions aimed at establishing a robust medical cannabis program in Kentucky. In April, Governor Beshear signed House Bill 829 into law, which advanced the timeline for cannabis business licensing from January 1, 2025, to July 2024.

In March, five regulations were filed to outline how Kentuckians with qualifying medical conditions can become cardholders. Additionally, in January, ten regulations were filed to guide the operation of medical cannabis businesses, including cultivators, processors, producers, dispensaries, and safety compliance facilities.

Legalization Milestone

In March 2023, Governor Beshear joined lawmakers and advocates to sign Senate Bill 47, legalizing medical cannabis in Kentucky. This legislation set the foundation for the current efforts to make medical cannabis accessible to those in need.

Kentucky’s accelerated medical cannabis program demonstrates a proactive approach to providing relief for those with serious medical conditions. With the application process for businesses starting earlier than planned and new regulations in place for medical professionals, the state is on track to ensure that medical cannabis will soon be available to those who need it most.