How marijuana sales in Ohio could affect Kentucky’s cannabis laws

Ohio joined Illinois and Missouri this week as the third state surrounding Kentucky to begin full retail sale of recreational cannabis.

People aged 21 or older can now buy and use cannabis within those states. But bringing any back across to Kentucky is still a crime, and can lead to misdemeanor or even felony charges.

Lauren Bratcher is the Deputy Director of Kentucky NORML, which advocates for public policy supporting marijuana. She says state lawmakers could follow Ohio’s lead if sales prove successful, similar to the state’s rollout of legalized gambling.

“We tend to model a lot of our legislation after things that have been done in Ohio, and I know that has been done for the medical program as well,” Bratcher said. “I think with a little bit of time, maybe a few years, once Ohio can release their numbers, how much income, how much taxes they pulled in for the state, Kentucky will really take a lot harder of a look at going recreational.”

A law legalizing medical cannabis in Kentucky was passed in 2023, allowing dispensaries to sell to those with debilitating illnesses. But Bratcher says recreational cannabis would generate the most state income.

“The important thing is that medical is not taxed, but recreational will be,” Bratcher said. “There will be some income into the state for the medical program, but not really. They will have to go recreational if they want to bring in tax income for the state.”

Kentucky’s medical program will begin at the start of next year.

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