FRANKFORT — Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order Tuesday that will allow residents suffering from certain medical conditions to possess and use small amounts of legally purchased medical cannabis to treat their medical conditions beginning in January 2023.

The governor outlined conditions that Kentuckians with at least one of 21 medical conditions, which include cancer, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, muscular dystrophy or a terminal illness, must meet to access medical cannabis beginning Jan. 1. These conditions include:

Cannabis must be bought in the United States of America in a state where the purchase is legal and regulated. Kentuckians will need to keep their receipt.

The amount a person can purchase and possess at any one time must not exceed 8 ounces, which is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Kentucky.

Each Kentuckian must also have a certification from a licensed health care provider that shows that the individual has been diagnosed with at least one of 21 medical conditions. A copy of the certification must be retained.

“Kentuckians suffering from chronic and terminal conditions are going to be able to get the treatment they need without living in fear of a misdemeanor,” Gov. Beshear said. “With 37 states already legalizing medical cannabis and 90% of Kentucky adults supporting it, I am doing what I can to provide access and relief to those who meet certain conditions and need it to better enjoy their life, without pain.”

The move to sign the executive order, according to Beshear, is an effort to reduce Kentucky residents’ reliance on opioids and to provide an alternative form of pain relief. 

The governor also announced that the state would move forward to regulate the sale of Delta 8, a substance that contains a different form of THC than marijuana and said there are no checks and balances on how it is currently packaged and sold and said regulations must be in place to ensure it is done in the correct manner.