Recent Changes to Kentucky’s Medical Marijuana Laws (2025 Update)
Introduction
Kentucky took a major step forward in medical cannabis in 2023, and beginning January 1, 2025, its comprehensive medical marijuana program officially launches under Senate Bill 47 (SB 47), signed by Governor Andy Beshear. Here's what the Commonwealth prepares for its new medical cannabis era.
1. ✅ Effective Date & Program Roll-out
Law Effective: SB 47 took effect on January 1, 2025
Regulation Timeline: The Office of Medical Cannabis filed 17 key regulations by April 2024, covering patient enrolment, dispensary licensing, cultivation, and product safety
Licensing: Cultivators and processors received state-issued licenses via lottery in late 2024; dispensary licenses will follow likewise, targeting product rollout in mid-to-late 2025.
2. 🧾 Qualifying Conditions & Registration
Qualifying Conditions: Cancer, chronic debilitating pain, epilepsy/seizure disorders, MS, muscle spasms, chronic nausea/vomiting, PTSD—and any condition approved by the Kentucky Center for Cannabis Research.
Patient Cards: Eligible Kentuckians (18+) need a practitioner’s certification, background clearance (no recent felony), and residency to receive a registry ID; minors require caregiver involvement.
Visiting Patients: Out‑of‑state patients may possess a limited “10-day supply” with valid medical marijuana card.
3. 🚫 Use, Possession & Consumption Limits
On‑hand Supply: Cardholders may keep a 30‑day supply at home and a 10‑day supply on their person
Supply Defined:
30-day supply = 112 g flower, 28 g concentrate, or 3,900 mg THC edible.
10-day supply = 37.5 g flower, 9.5 g concentrate, or 1,300 mg THC edible
Consumption Method: Smoking raw cannabis is banned; vaporization, oils, edibles, tinctures, and similar forms are allowed.
4. 👨⚕️ Institutional & Employment Protections
Legal Protections: Registered patients, caregivers, providers, and dispensaries are shielded from civil or criminal liability under state law—acting within program rules.
Employment Rights: Employers can still prohibit cannabis use at work or during shifts. On‑site consumption or working under the influence remains grounds for disciplinary action/full policy enforcement.
5. 🏛️ Executive Orders & Fee Updates
Executive Order 2022‑798 allowed possession of up to 8 oz purchased from out‑of‑state prior to sales launch.
Order 2025‑335 (May 29, 2025) waives $25 renewal fees for anyone receiving a card in 2025.
6. 📋 Licensing Lottery & Oversight
Licensing Lottery:
Late 2024: Lottery awarded 26 cultivator/processor licenses.
Dispensaries: 36 licenses will be distributed across regions, awarded and operational through 2025.
Audit Inquiry: Kentucky’s State Auditor launched a probe into concerns that out‑of‑state applicants dominated the lottery.
7. 🔬 Research Expansion
UK Center for Cannabis Research: Established via HB 604 in 2022 to support research and add qualifying conditions.
What to Expect Next
First Half of 2025 — Dispensaries begin rolling out products.
Ongoing — Additional product rollout, and evolving qualifying conditions through research and regulations.
Conclusion
Kentucky’s medical cannabis program brings long-awaited relief to patients with serious conditions, underpinned by layered regulation, institutional oversight, and emerging research. With the first legal sales arriving in 2025, patients, caregivers, practitioners—and even employers—should prepare now: familiarize yourselves with registry rules, the list of qualifying conditions, possession limits, workplace policies, and local dispensary availability.