Starting January 1, medical cannabis will be legally available for Kentuckians with qualifying medical conditions, as all 106 cities and counties that voted on the issue this week voted in favor of allowing medical cannabis businesses to operate in their communities.
What You Need to Know
- 53 cities and 53 counties voted Tuesday on whether or not to allow medical cannabis businesses to operate locally.
- All 106 votes were in favor, with overwhelming support for medical cannabis.
- Despite the positive vote, some mayors, like Charlie Cleves of Bellevue, do not anticipate dispensaries or other facilities coming to their towns soon due to logistical challenges.
A Statewide Green Light for Medical Cannabis
On Tuesday, voters across Kentucky had their say in local elections about whether or not to allow medical cannabis businesses in their areas. The vote was a significant milestone in Kentucky’s transition to medical cannabis legalization, and the outcome was clear: every city and county that voted said yes to medical cannabis businesses.
This includes a mix of urban and rural areas, with many local officials welcoming the vote as a positive step for those in need of medical relief. In Bellevue, Mayor Charlie Cleves expressed his support for the measure, acknowledging that the idea of medical marijuana resonated with voters, especially those with health conditions like cancer, chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis.
“Everybody likes the idea of medical marijuana. Only because there’s so many people that are injured or hurting or cancer,” Mayor Cleves said. “People think it’s necessary for them to be comfortable.”
Challenges in Smaller Cities
While the vote was overwhelmingly positive, some communities, like Bellevue, face challenges in implementing the new policy. Mayor Cleves explained that Bellevue’s lack of space for growing or processing cannabis means it is unlikely to see a cannabis cultivation facility anytime soon. He also expressed skepticism about the possibility of a dispensary opening in his city due to the limited number of dispensary licenses available through a state-run lottery.
In Northern Kentucky, where Bellevue is located, there are 395 total applications for dispensary licenses, but only four licenses will be awarded through the lottery. With larger cities like Covington and Newport attracting many of the applicants, Bellevue may not see a dispensary in the near future.
“I can’t see where more than four or five people applied from Bellevue. And that’s four or five out of 395. So the odds are against you getting it,” Cleves added.
Florence Preparing for Cannabis Business Regulations
In other parts of Kentucky, cities are already gearing up for the new medical cannabis regulations. Florence, another city that voted in favor of medical cannabis businesses, is working on zoning regulations and business license criteria in anticipation of cannabis businesses moving into the area.
Mayor Julie Metzger Aubuchon of Florence stated, “The city of Florence held a special business meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 6, to discuss the adoption of zoning regulations and business license criteria for medical cannabis businesses.” The city had been preparing for this moment over the past six months, and they plan to formally adopt the necessary zoning and regulatory measures soon.
A Turning Point for Medical Cannabis in Kentucky
Despite the logistical hurdles in some areas, there is a growing sense of optimism about the future of medical cannabis in Kentucky. Governor Andy Beshear (D-Ky.) provided an update following the elections, noting that the overwhelming approval across the state signals broad public support for medical cannabis.
“This signals what we have known for a long time, which is that the jury is no longer out on medical cannabis,” said Beshear. “Kentuckians want their families, friends, and neighbors who have serious medical conditions — like cancer, multiple sclerosis or PTSD — to have safe and affordable access.”
Key Takeaways:
- 106 cities and counties voted to approve medical cannabis businesses, with overwhelming support from local voters.
- The new law allows Kentuckians with qualifying medical conditions to access medical cannabis beginning January 1.
- Some areas, such as Bellevue, may face challenges in setting up dispensaries or growing facilities due to limited space and competition for licenses.
- Florence and other cities are already taking steps to regulate medical cannabis businesses.
Kentucky’s approval of medical cannabis marks a turning point for the state’s approach to cannabis, with the promise of increased access to medical marijuana for residents in need of therapeutic relief.
