FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKRC) — Kentucky is moving closer to launching legal medical marijuana sales, with the state poised to give final approval for growing the plants in the coming weeks.
Sam Flynn, Executive Director of Kentucky’s Medical Cannabis Program, said in an exclusive interview with Local 12 that the state is in the process of issuing final approvals to growers, a step that could begin within the next month or two.
Flynn did not provide an exact date for when sales would start.
“Can you commit to the end of the year?” Local 12 asked.
Flynn noted that Kentucky is learning from other states’ experiences to address challenges and educate the public.
“We’re dealing with the same issues and concerns that other states had done before. We have the benefit of being able to see what they’ve done to try to address those things and educate the populace about them. And that’s certainly what we try to do on a regular basis,” Flynn said.
Rachel Roberts, former state lawmaker and head of the Kentucky Cannabis Industry Coalition, suggested sales might begin sooner.
“I’m starting to think that might be a little later this summer,” Roberts said.
She emphasized the need for cultivation centers to establish or retrofit facilities.
Kentucky is one of 39 states with legalized medical cannabis, but federal bans complicate the process. The state received a waiver to allow seedlings to be sent, though cultivators await final clearance to start operations. Once approved, it takes 12-14 weeks to grow an adult plant, which then must be processed into products like gummies or salves.
Flynn reported that over 7,000 residents have applied for medical cannabis cards, with more than 6,500 approved.
“We’re very enthusiastic about the numbers that we’ve seen thus far,” Flynn said.
He projected up to 40,000 certifications by year’s end.
Kentucky will not tax medical marijuana sales or impose excise taxes on growers or manufacturers, treating it as a pharmaceutical.
Conditions qualifying for medical marijuana in Kentucky include cancer, chronic pain or nausea, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and PTSD. Patients must obtain authorization from a registered healthcare provider, with an initial in-person visit and a $25 card fee.
Kentucky is moving closer to launching legal medical marijuana sales, with the state poised to give final approval for growing the plants. Read More
