Starting December 1, qualified patients in Kentucky will be able to obtain doctor recommendations to access medical marijuana, according to Governor Andy Beshear.
This marks a major milestone for the state, following the governor’s signing of medical marijuana legislation last year.
State regulators have been building the medical marijuana program in preparation for its rollout. Over 150 doctors are already certified to issue recommendations, with the number steadily increasing. To streamline the process, the state has launched the “Kentucky Medical Cannabis Practitioner Directory,” an online portal that helps patients locate certified practitioners by city, county, or specialty.
“Beginning December 1, authorized practitioners will start issuing valid written certifications to Kentucky patients,” Beshear said. “Patients can use the directory to find a practitioner and begin their journey toward medical cannabis access.”
In addition to preparing for patients, the state is organizing the infrastructure for dispensaries. An initial licensing lottery for medical marijuana dispensaries in nine of Kentucky’s 11 regions will occur next Monday, with a second lottery for the remaining two regions scheduled for December 16.
This progress follows overwhelming support for medical marijuana initiatives in Kentucky’s November election. All 106 cities and counties that voted on the measures approved allowing medical marijuana dispensaries within their jurisdictions, signaling widespread support for the program.
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