BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – With the new year here, several laws have taken effect in Kentucky.
A major question on the 2024 ballot was deciding whether or not to allow medicinal cannabis businesses to operate in the commonwealth.
Governor Beshear signed the program into law in 2023, in part so “patients have access to medical providers and treatment for qualifying conditions.”
Through a license lottery, four dispensaries in the South Central Kentucky area were chosen to offer medical marijuana starting this year. Officials picked Zeus Agoraios in Franklin and three locations in Bowling Green: AR-MO-KY-MS Cannabis Ventures LLC, Promo Pulse LLC and Flower Radar LLC.
These are qualifications people must meet in order to receive a medical marijuana card:
You must be a resident of Kentucky.You must be at least 18 years old.You must have a qualifying medical condition such as cancer, chronic pain, muscle spasms or PTSD.You need a written certification from a licensed medical practitioner confirming your condition.You cannot have a felony record.
“I think any time you you’re dealing with a new agency that’s handling a new government type of medical option it’s going to be a little difficult, but we’ve been trying to work really hard to navigate with the patients and give them a step by step form of papers so that they understand this whole process,” Stacia Staples, an APRN who is on the eligible practitioner list, said.
Another law starting Jan. 1 is a new limit to vape shops. In an attempt to curb the youth’s use of nicotine, only nicotine vapes sold under an approved U.S. Food and Drug Administration list are legal to sell. Those not approved or certified must be off shelves by the first.
“All of those things, my hope is that the new law will affect what our vape stores are selling. They’re popping up all over the city and, you know, you see young people in and out buying vapes,” Bowling Green Attorney Hillary Hightower said. “What’s in those vapes is not regulated, a lot of them come from China; they’re not tested.”
On the flipside, some businesses are distraught over the new law.
“We’ve been railroaded, and it feels bad. It’s just a real **** deal, and none of the politicians seem to care,” Vette City Vape co-owner Cordell Gary said. “Here we are, four days from when this takes effect, and Kentucky keeps saying, ‘Oh, we’re going to approve some products. It’s not going to be as bad as it looks. We’re going to do it.’ Well, people are closing their doors right now.”
Another new law will require Kentucky drivers to take a vision screening when renewing their driver’s license or permit. The new legislation aims to improve driver safety. Warren County Sheriff Brett Hightower said the screening will only take a few minutes, at most, and will help identify potential health issues.
The screening is free and can be done during your renewal appointment. Drivers who don’t pass will be referred to a vision specialist for further examination.
Copyright 2025 WBKO. All rights reserved.
The legislation covers medical marijuana, nicotine vapes and driver’s licenses. Read More
