In a clear sign of growing support for medical cannabis, 106 cities and counties in Kentucky voted this November to allow medical marijuana businesses to operate locally. The move marks a significant step forward for cannabis legalization in the state, even as lawmakers and local officials grapple with supply shortages and regulatory hurdles.
A Strong Push for Safe Access to Medical Marijuana
The approval of medical cannabis businesses by a majority of Kentucky’s cities and counties reflects the growing demand for accessible medical marijuana. Governor Andy Beshear made the announcement on November 7, 2024, during a Team Kentucky update. Among the areas that voted in favor are 10 cities in Northern Kentucky, including Alexandria, Bellevue, Crestview Hills, Elsmere, Florence, Independence, Ludlow, Southgate, Union, and Wilder.
Governor Beshear highlighted the shift in public opinion, saying, “The jury is no longer out on medical cannabis. Kentuckians want their families, friends, and neighbors who have serious medical conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis, or PTSD to have safe and affordable access.”
This statement underscores the growing recognition of the therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana for those with chronic conditions. As more cities and counties approve cannabis operations, the state’s medical marijuana program is gaining traction, aiming to provide a legitimate avenue for those in need.
Challenges with Cannabis Licenses and Limited Supply
Despite the overwhelming public support, local officials are concerned about the limited availability of medical marijuana business licenses. Bellevue Mayor Charlie Cleves voiced his frustrations, stating that the number of operating licenses available in the state is not enough to meet the high demand. With many larger cities in Kentucky vying for licenses, smaller towns like Bellevue are at a disadvantage.
“We are a tiny little piece of this great big puzzle,” said Cleves, explaining the challenges facing smaller cities. “The odds are against us getting it. We’re so tiny, and we had so few applications compared to cities like Covington [and] Newport.” Bellevue voters overwhelmingly supported the ballot measure, passing it by a three-to-one margin. However, local officials and residents face uncertainty about whether their community will receive a coveted medical cannabis license due to the competitive nature of the state’s licensing process.
The Race for Dispensary Licenses
Kentucky’s medical cannabis program has already taken steps to allocate operating licenses. A state-run lottery for processor and cultivator licenses has been held, but no licenses were awarded to businesses in Boone, Kenton, or Campbell counties. As the state continues to roll out its medical cannabis infrastructure, two more lotteries are set to take place, with one scheduled for November 25, 2024.
The upcoming lottery will determine dispensary licenses for nine of Kentucky’s 11 medicinal cannabis regions, including Northern Kentucky. Each region is expected to receive four dispensary licenses, with a limit of one license per county. The Northern Kentucky region, which includes Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen, and Pendleton counties, will be especially competitive, with several cities vying for a place in the rapidly expanding medical marijuana market.
For local officials, the lottery system adds another layer of uncertainty to the process. Mayor Cleves expressed his surprise at the level of support for cannabis in Bellevue, noting that while some residents are strongly opposed, younger individuals seem more open to the idea of medical cannabis. “I just tell them whatever happens, happens,” Cleves said, acknowledging that while the community is divided, the legal landscape may change regardless of local opinions.
Northern Kentucky’s Growing Interest in Medical Cannabis
Northern Kentucky cities are among the most eager to establish medical cannabis businesses. As one of the state’s most populous and economically diverse regions, Northern Kentucky has seen rapid growth in support for cannabis operations, especially among local voters. The decision to allow medical marijuana businesses in these cities aligns with broader trends across the state, where public opinion has increasingly supported the legalization of cannabis for medical use.
As the state continues its effort to make medical cannabis more widely available, the gap between demand and supply remains a key concern. The difficulty in securing licenses means that not all cities or counties will benefit equally from the legalization effort, leaving many to wonder whether the state will be able to meet the expectations of its residents. With the upcoming lotteries and limited number of licenses, the competition will be fierce, and some communities may miss out on the opportunity to provide medical marijuana access to those in need.
