Kentucky has officially entered a new era of medical marijuana access. Governor Andy Beshear personally awarded the state’s first-ever medical cannabis patient cards, marking a major milestone for those seeking alternative treatments. But he didn’t stop there. Beshear is now urging Congress to change federal laws that strip gun rights from medical marijuana users.
Medical Marijuana Becomes Reality in Kentucky
For years, medical cannabis remained out of reach for Kentuckians. That changed with the passage of Senate Bill 47, which legalized a regulated medical marijuana program in the state. On Thursday, Beshear proudly announced that the first patient cards had been issued, calling it a “historic moment.”
The two individuals who received the inaugural cards were Dr. Ryan Grell and Merissa Khumalo, a former teacher. They are part of a growing group—2,200 Kentuckians—who have already secured registration in the program. The governor made it clear that this was just the beginning.
“We’ve taken some incredible strides to make medical cannabis a reality in Kentucky,” Beshear said, highlighting the licensing of marijuana businesses and the certification of doctors who can issue recommendations to patients.
Governor Pushes to Protect Gun Rights for Patients
While celebrating Kentucky’s progress, Beshear also turned his attention to federal restrictions that complicate life for medical marijuana users. Under current federal law, anyone using cannabis—regardless of state legality—cannot legally purchase or possess firearms.
The governor is calling on Kentucky’s congressional delegation to act.
“Currently, law-abiding citizens who elect to participate in state-legalized medical cannabis programs like Kentucky’s have their Second Amendment rights to purchase or possess a firearm impacted,” Beshear stated. “No law-abiding Kentuckian—or American, for that matter—should have to choose between a constitutional right and the medication they need.”
In a letter sent Wednesday, Beshear urged Kentucky lawmakers in Washington to introduce legislation that would lift this restriction. He emphasized that Kentuckians participating in the medical cannabis program are following state law and should not be penalized at the federal level.
Federal Law Still Lags Behind State Progress
Beshear isn’t the only one pushing for change. In late 2023, bipartisan Kentucky senators filed legislation encouraging the state’s federal representatives to take action on the issue. While Beshear supports their efforts, he is advocating for even broader reform at the national level.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has previously warned Kentucky residents that enrolling in the state’s medical marijuana program means losing their right to purchase or possess firearms. This rule applies across the country, with gun buyers required to confirm on federal background check forms that they do not use illegal drugs—including cannabis.
Beshear sees this as a fundamental fairness issue. “There should not be a loss of a right within our Bill of Rights simply for choosing a legalized system of medication that is best for you,” he argued.
Medical Cannabis Access Expands Across Kentucky
The rollout of Kentucky’s medical marijuana program is moving quickly. According to Beshear, hundreds of patients have already applied for cards through an online portal that launched in early January.
While dispensaries have yet to open, health practitioners have been evaluating patients since December. Thousands of Kentuckians have already sought consultations to obtain medical cannabis recommendations.
Here’s a snapshot of Kentucky’s progress so far:
- Over 2,200 patients have registered for medical marijuana cards.
- Hundreds of doctors have been certified to issue recommendations.
- Local jurisdictions are embracing the industry, with more than 100 cities and counties approving medical cannabis businesses in the November election.
With dispensaries still in the works, Beshear reassured patients that an executive order he signed in 2023 remains in effect. This order allows Kentuckians to possess medical marijuana purchased legally in other states without facing prosecution at home.
Public Opinion No Longer a Question
Medical marijuana has long been a politically divisive issue in Kentucky. But Beshear believes the tide has turned. He pointed to the overwhelming support for local medical cannabis ordinances in the November election as proof.
“The jury is no longer out,” he said. “Kentuckians want this.”
The governor’s advocacy for medical cannabis stems from his broader commitment to expanding healthcare options. He reiterated that his goal has always been to provide safe, legal alternatives to addictive opioids.
As the state’s medical cannabis program continues to grow, it remains to be seen whether federal lawmakers will heed Beshear’s call to change gun laws. For now, thousands of Kentuckians can finally access legal medical marijuana—but their right to bear arms remains a contentious battle.