The medical cannabis industry is booming across the United States, and Kentucky has recently joined the ranks with a bill signed by Gov. Beshear. House Bill 829 provides a framework for individuals in the state who are interested in participating in and benefiting from the industry. The bill addresses concerns raised by last year’s Senate Bill 47, which set the start date for Kentucky’s medical cannabis business as January 1, 2025.
Under the previous plan, businesses were set to begin operations on the same day that qualifying patients could access medical cannabis. However, the new bill allows qualifying businesses to start the process six months earlier, providing them with an opportunity to establish themselves in the industry sooner. Gov. Andy Beshear stated that his goal is to allow anyone interested in joining the industry to do so safely and in accordance with necessary criteria.
Businesses can now begin applying for licenses starting on July 1st. The application process includes requirements such as business history, ownership information, and financial details. The first round of licensing will take place in October through a lottery system, aimed at providing a fair opportunity for all eligible businesses to participate. This ensures that only those who meet the necessary criteria will be able to operate within the industry.
While there are criticisms of certain provisions in the bill, such as requiring patients to undergo criminal background checks prior to being included in
