Governor to host blood drive at state Capitol, gives update on medical marijuana

Gov. Andy Beshear says he and first lady Britainy Beshear will be hosting a blood drive in the State Capitol Rotunda and at the Capitol Education Center on Thursday, Sept. 12, to help address the national emergency blood shortage and save lives.

“In August, the American Red Cross announced that our country is facing another emergency blood shortage,” said Gov. Beshear. “So next week, Britainy and I are rolling up our sleeves to donate. We hope that all of Team Kentucky will join us.”

The Red Cross reports the national blood supply has fallen by more than 25% since July 1.

For more information on next Thursday’s event and to sign up for the Team Kentucky Saves Lives blood drive, you can go to governor.ky.gov/GiveBlood .

To find a blood donation drive near you, click here.

Medical marijuana update

The governor also reported significant steps are being taken toward ensuring Kentuckians with qualifying conditions have access to medical cannabis by Jan. 1, 2025, the date set by legislators when they approved legalization.

The Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program accepted cannabis business licenses between July 1 and Aug. 31. In total, the program received 4,998 applications for medical cannabis business licenses. Eighty-eight percent of the applications were received in the last four days of the licensing period. See information about the number of applications received by license type and by licensing regions.

The Office of Medical Cannabis is currently reviewing applications and remains on track to issue licenses in 2024. The office is adding staff to review the influx of applications.

The processors and cultivators’ lottery will be held earlier than the lottery for dispensaries. More information on the lottery for license category will be announced soon.

To learn more about new regulations and how to participate in the regulatory process, visit kymedcan.ky.gov .

“When we launched this program, our goal was to ensure that our licensing process was transparent and provided everyone a fair shot at being a part of this new, exciting industry,” Beshear stated. “Today, the results are clear. The incredible interest in this process, especially among Kentuckians, is proof that this program has met that goal and is set up for success now and moving forward.”

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