On January 1, 2025, Kentucky officially launched its highly anticipated medical cannabis program, marking a significant milestone for the state. The program, which allows state-registered patients to access cannabis medicine, has been years in the making and is the product of diligent planning by the Office of Cannabis Medicine (OCM). As part of the preparatory process, OCM conducted a series of licensing lotteries to determine the locations of the state’s dispensaries. Patient registration opened in November 2024, and since then, officials have been processing a high volume of business applications.
According to the OCM, nearly 5,000 business applications were submitted, with 4,075 of those applications being for retail licenses. Despite the large number of applicants, only 48 dispensary licenses were awarded through the lotteries. This relatively low number has generated some discussion, particularly among local business owners and patients eager for broader access to medical cannabis.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) expressed confidence in the system’s ability to provide access to patients while maintaining safety. He outlined the program’s two primary objectives during a recent press conference: “First, to ensure patients get access quickly, that we don’t get caught up in court, that those who are suffering are able to secure medical cannabis in the commonwealth as soon as possible, and second, that the system operates safely.” The Governor’s focus on swift implementation speaks to the demand for medical cannabis, as well as the importance of maintaining regulatory oversight to ensure the program’s success.
To be eligible for the medical cannabis program, patients must first be approved by a licensed physician. The qualifying conditions for the program are broad, allowing for those suffering from cancer, chronic and debilitating pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, chronic nausea or vomiting syndrome, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to apply. These conditions are recognized by medical professionals as being particularly suited to the therapeutic potential of cannabis. Patients who meet the requirements and are approved by their physician will be granted access to the medicine through the state’s licensed dispensaries.
While Kentucky has made great strides in establishing a medical cannabis program, there are still complications due to the conflict between state and federal law. Specifically, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has recently issued a cautionary statement to Kentucky residents who plan to register for the medical cannabis program. Under federal law, cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I substance, which means medical cannabis patients in Kentucky could face restrictions when it comes to purchasing or owning firearms. The ATF’s warning stated that medical cannabis users would be prohibited from legally owning or purchasing guns, presenting a challenging situation for patients who may rely on both medical cannabis and firearms for their well-being.
In addition to these federal concerns, the medical cannabis program in Kentucky is part of a broader trend across the country as more states establish programs to provide patients with access to medical cannabis. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the potential health benefits of cannabis in treating chronic conditions and managing pain. As the state moves forward with its new program, officials are optimistic that it will serve as a model for other states in terms of accessibility, safety, and regulatory control.
However, despite the advances made in Kentucky, the debate around adult-use legalization remains a hot topic. Although some states have moved toward fully legalizing cannabis for recreational use, Kentucky has not yet taken that step, and the governor has made it clear that he is not in favor of adult-use legalization at this time. For now, the focus remains on the medical program and ensuring that patients who need cannabis for health reasons can access it in a safe and regulated manner.
Kentucky’s medical cannabis program is expected to continue evolving as more patients register and the state gains experience in overseeing the distribution of medical cannabis. As the program grows, it could eventually lead to expanded access for patients, a greater number of dispensaries, and potentially even changes in the state’s stance on adult-use cannabis. For now, patients in Kentucky can look forward to receiving the medicine they need to manage their conditions, while the state navigates the complexities of cannabis regulation.
