CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

FRANKFORT — The Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program is fast-tracking access to medical cannabis for Kentuckians with qualifying conditions.

The application process opened Monday for prospective medical cannabis businesses, six months ahead of schedule, announced Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday.

The program has provided resources, including YouTube webinars and a Business Licensing Application Guide, available on its website, kymedcan.ky.gov, to aid applicants in the process.

“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.

Kentucky’s Board of Medical Licensure and Board of Nursing on Monday also began accepting applications from physicians and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) seeking authorization to write medical cannabis certifications. However, patients will not be able to apply for a medical cannabis card until Jan. 1, 2025.

Gov. Beshear highlighted the administration’s commitment to providing safe and affordable access to medical cannabis for those with serious medical conditions. This effort was bolstered by House Bill 829, signed into law in April, which advanced the timeline for business licensing from January 2025 to July 2024.

Previously, in March, five regulations were filed to outline the process for patients to become cardholders. Additionally, in January, 10 regulations were introduced to establish the operations of medical cannabis businesses, including cultivators, processors, producers, dispensaries, and safety compliance facilities. The legalization of medical cannabis in Kentucky was formalized with the signing of Senate Bill 47 by the governor in March 2023.