LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Starting Jan. 1, 2025, Kentuckians with a medical cannabis card can buy and use medical cannabis. 

Before then, the Office of Medical Cannabis will accept applications for cannabis business licenses.

Gov. Andy Beshear. D-Ky., signed the legalization of medical cannabis into law on March 31, 2023. Now, the deadline for businesses to sell medical cannabis is approaching. 

What You Need To Know

  • Medical cannabis will be in Kentucky starting Jan.1, 2025  

  • The deadline for businesses wanting to sell medical cannabis is Aug. 31

  • All local governments, counties and cities are automatically opted-in to have cannabis business operations in their jurisdictions

Kentucky’s Office of Medical Cannabis reports that as of Thursday, Aug. 22 it had received 169 applications to operate a dispensary.

Applicants will be put into a randomized lottery if the application is in the accordance with a set of written rules established with the Cabinet.

Paula Savchenko is the founder of the cannabis licensing firm, Cannacore Group. She said her team is working with a handful of Kentucky applicants to make sure they have the best chance to get a license.  

“I would say number one is making sure that they’re in compliance with the regulations. As far as, the ownership restrictions applying for licenses in the same or different localities. That’s really important just because, you know, if that side of it isn’t done properly, then you can unfortunately disqualify yourself, even if you have everything else,” Savchenko said.

If the application has deficiencies, the applicant has 10 calendar days to provide missing information. Applicants will be notified 45 days after the application is received if they will be placed in the lottery for a license.

“Securing property is typically one of the most difficult aspects of the application. So typically locals have an easier time with securing the property just because they know the state better than out-of-state groups,” Savchenko said.

Those hoping to apply can do so online and have until Aug. 31 to submit an application. 

According to the Office of Medical Cannabis, all local governments, counties and cities are automatically opted-in to have cannabis business operations in their jurisdictions. Cities and counties have to enact ordinances to set up restrictions or fees on cannabis operations. They have to do the same if they want to prohibit cannabis businesses.

Related Stories