Kentucky Moves Forward With Medical Marijuana in 2025
The Kentucky legislature recently passed House Bill 829, solidifying the launch of the state’s medical marijuana program in January 2025.
Key Points:
- Qualifying Conditions: The program will initially target specific conditions, including cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, and PTSD. While additional conditions were proposed, they were not included at this time.
- Obtaining a Card: Patients will need a doctor’s recommendation and pass a background check to receive a medical marijuana card.
- Product Forms: Edibles, oils, and tinctures will be available. Smoking and vaping the product will be illegal.
- Dispensaries: Dispensaries can begin cultivating hemp in July 2024. Localities have the power to opt-out of allowing dispensaries within their jurisdiction.
- Schools: Schools can choose to opt-out of administering medical marijuana on their premises.
Points of Contention:
- Research Requirement: Governor Beshear’s veto of a provision requiring research on medical marijuana’s efficacy was overridden by the legislature.
- Future Expansion: Lawmakers expressed caution about expanding qualifying conditions or allowing smokable forms of medical marijuana in the future.
This legislation represents a significant step towards implementing medical marijuana in Kentucky. However, some details, such as the research requirement and potential program expansion, remain to be seen.
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