Lexington government preparing for medical cannabis sales in January

The sale of medical cannabis in Kentucky will begin this January. In preparation, local governments like that in Fayette County, are establishing applicable zoning and licensing ordinances.

The Lexington City Council took final action on two medical cannabis related ordinances last week. On the zoning side of the issue, Planning Director Jim Duncan said the indoor growing of marijuana or cultivation will be separate from where it’s sold.

“We have that available in the industrial zone and as a conditional use in the agricultural zones, but where it is dispensed, where it is made available to the public those are in business zones only,” said Duncan.

Lexington Revenue Director Wes Holbrook said a special business license is now established. He noted initially two dispensaries will be allowed in Fayette County, to be determined by a lottery draw this fall. But, first interested parties must get a state license, which opens this week.

Holbrook said the 500 dollar license fee will go to cover staffing for implementation of the new business.

“For one reason because they have distance requirements from schools and childcare facilities and so the planning division has to do some work to make sure that they are in the right zoning and that they meet those requirements and so we also have our own compliance requirement for the Division of Revenue,” said Holbrook.

Planning Director Duncan said the State allowed some run-up time to allow for growing, producing, and dispensing before sales begin in 2024. He said the cultivation will be limited to smaller buildings initially.

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