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GEORGETOWN, Ky. — Beginning on Jan. 1, 2025 medical cannabis will be legal in Kentucky, but not all residents may have access to a store in their area.
Election Day in Kentucky is less than a month away. While most eyes will be on the presidential election, some local municipalities are voting on whether to allow medical cannabis businesses in their area. Scott County Judge Executive Joe Pat Covington said Scott County voters will decide.
“It reads ‘Are you in favor of the sale of medical cannabis at a licensed dispensary and the operation of other cannabis businesses in Scott County, Kentucky,’” Covington said.
That’s the question, Scott County voters will be asked on Nov. 5. A similar question will appear on ballots in over 100 cities and counties across Kentucky, including Georgetown.
“Our fiscal court felt like the best route was to allow our community to put this on the ballot and have their voice heard,” Covington said.
Counties without referendums are automatically opted in to have cannabis businesses in their jurisdiction. Other counties have already opted out completely.
“People will be able to go to a neighboring county and buy their medical cannabis if they need it. All we can do at this point is continue to provide education to citizens and local leaders,” said Julie Cantwell, co-founder of Kentucky Moms for Medical Cannabis.
Cantwell and another mom founded the organization after traditional drugs didn’t help their kids’ seizures. She hopes to see voters in her home, Hardin County, approve businesses countywide.
“I think that a lot of people are tired of pharmaceuticals and the side effects that come along with it, myself included with my son,” Cantwell said.
Judge Covington said personally he supports medical cannabis.
“I feel like medical cannabis does make a impact on people suffering from a variety of illnesses,” Covington said.
Covington said dispensaries are being allotted by region, so there’s no guarantee Scott County or Georgetown would get a dispensary.
But, it’s in the hands of the voters. Over half the Kentucky counties and cities don’t have a referendum, including Jefferson and Fayette Counties.
“}]] Statewide, medical cannabis becomes legal on Jan. 1, 2025. A Nicholasville lab was the first to receive its license. Read More