Medical cannabis application period for Kentucky businesses begins Monday

Kentucky businesses interested in selling, processing or growing medical marijuana are able to apply for permits starting Monday.

It comes as part of state lawmakers’ efforts to speed up the timeline for legal medical cannabis in the Commonwealth. Gov. Andy Beshear signed House Bill 829 into law last April , moving up the licensing process’ start date and creating the Office of Medical Cannabis.

The licensing process’ July 1 start date now comes six months before medical cannabis is legalized January 1, 2025.

In April, it was announced that a lottery would decide what businesses would be granted those permits. The system will limit 48 dispensary licenses spread mostly evenly through 11 regions.

The regions surrounding Lexington and Louisville are eligible for six licenses, while the remaining are eligible for four.

Ten licenses for cannabis growers and sixteen licenses for cultivators will also be issued.

The state is accepting applications from businesses through August 31. The first state lottery is scheduled for October.

Those eligible for medical cannabis treatment include those with cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, chronic nausea, cyclical vomiting syndrome and post-traumatic stress disorder.

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