By Blake Jackson
Kentucky's recently approved medical marijuana program is receiving an acceleration. A new law allows cultivators, processors, and dispensaries to submit license applications sooner than anticipated. This aims to guarantee product availability by January 1, 2025.
Local governments retain the ability to opt out by year-end 2024. Businesses applying for licenses before 2025 assume some risk, as local approval might be revoked.
The program prioritizes established Kentucky hemp growers for licensing. However, unlike hemp, medical marijuana cultivation necessitates secure indoor facilities.
Smoking medical marijuana is expressly forbidden. Consumption is restricted to vaping, capsules, and edibles. Public vaping of medical marijuana is also prohibited.
An effort to expand qualifying medical conditions from six to twenty was unsuccessful in the current legislation. Lawmakers believe adding conditions can be addressed in the future.
The Board of Physicians and Advisers, tasked with program oversight, has nearly all its members appointed. They will determine the allocation of state funds based on research regarding medical marijuana's efficacy.
Finally, a provision requiring pharmacist authorization prior to purchase was eliminated. Instead, a pharmacist will be included on the Board of Physicians and Advisers.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-larisa-shpineva
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy