Businesses that want to sell, process or grow medical marijuana for Kentucky can start applying for permits starting Monday, part of an accelerated push to have products available in early 2025, Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday.
Doctors and advanced practice registered nurses also can begin submitting applications to let them certify eligible patients to buy the drug. The state's Board of Medical Licensure and Board of Nursing will oversee the process.
The Bluegrass State's medical cannabis program begins Jan. 1. Kentucky's Republican-dominated Legislature passed the law with bipartisan support in 2023, legalizing medical cannabis for people suffering from a list of debilitating illnesses. Beshear, a Democrat, quickly signed the measure into law and his administration has been working on program regulations since then.
The governor signed follow-up legislation this past spring moving up the timeline for cannabis business licensing by six months. The state has already broadcast a series of YouTube webinars, issued a business licensing application guide and other materials to assist applicants. Businesses can apply for licenses through the end of August. The goal is to have some medical cannabis available in January when the products become legal, Beshear has said.
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