Kentucky to end patients bringing medical marijuana from out of state
By Fletcher Keel
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FRANKFORT, Kentucky (WLWT) — Kentucky’s medical marijuana program is getting a major change next month.
Governor Andy Beshear says starting July 1, Kentuckians will no longer be able to bring medical marijuana into the state from other states.
Since 2022, an executive order has allowed patients with qualifying conditions to do so while Kentucky built its own medical cannabis program.
Beshear says the state now has enough dispensaries and product to serve patients in the commonwealth.
Earlier this month, Beshear signed a new executive order announcing 15 more qualifying conditions will be covered under the program.
Under the executive order Beshear signed, 15 new conditions have been added to the qualifying list:
Terminal illness Sickle cell anemia ALS Parkinson’s disease HIV AIDS Huntington’s disease Muscular dystrophy Cachexia or wasting syndrome Crohn’s disease Ulcerative colitis Neuropathies Severe arthritis Fibromyalgia Glaucoma
“The law is meant to provide a safe alternative form of pain relief for Kentuckians suffering, yet the law’s lack of clarity prevented too many people from receiving help. This step makes the law more clear,” Beshear said. “With the progress we’ve made to reduce overdose deaths and fight addiction, it’s important we continue to offer an alternative to dangerous and addictive opioids. This emergency regulation will help more Kentuckians reclaim their lives through safe, nonaddictive medical cannabis.”
Since medical marijuana became legal in Kentucky, more than 23,700 residents have been approved for medical cannabis cards.
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