The Status of Cannabis Legalization in Kentucky
Directly after Kentucky passed a historic vote of 65-30 for HB 136, which would legalize medical cannabis, the COVID-19 pandemic pushed pause on the legislation.
Before the February 2020 vote, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported how HB136 had serious momentum with bill sponsor Rep. James Nemes saying, “it’s almost, pretty much over in the House of Representatives. Now we’ve got to let our senators understand where you are and educate them on the bill.”
The stalled legislation is a definite disappointment for 90% of Kentuckians who support the legalization of cannabis for medicinal purposes, reported by a statewide inquiry. The annual Kentucky Health Issues Poll (KHIP) repeatedly asks citizens of the Bluegrass State how they feel about significant issues.
The most recent survey, sponsored by a Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, showed the extreme shift in citizen’s point of view over the last decade regarding medicinal and recreational cannabis.
“The KHIP report found that support for medical marijuana among Kentucky adults jumped from 78 percent in 2012, the last time the poll asked this question,” reports the foundation. “A greater proportion of Kentucky adults also support legalizing marijuana under any circumstances (38 percent in 2012 compared to 59 percent in 2019), or for recreational purposes (26 percent in 2012, 49 percent in 2019).”
Based on the historic February 2020 House vote for HB136 to legalize medicinal cannabis that took place before COVID-19, and the overwhelming citizen support, it is likely the legislation will be one of the first in line for a vote when the session reconvenes.
Patient Qualifying Conditions
There is no medical cannabis program in Kentucky. Thus, there are no qualifying conditions at this time.
Caregivers
Without a designated statewide program, there are no caregiver laws set up in Kentucky for assisting patients with medical cannabis.
Possession and Cultivation Limits
There are no definitive possession laws regarding medical cannabis since the state of Kentucky does not have a program.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the state does not offer any physician referrals, which is why Veriheal will set up shop in Kentucky when the state approves a medical cannabis program.
Veriheal will provide physicians for you once the state approves a program. After meeting with a certified doctor in a virtual video consultation from the comfort of your own home, the doctor will determine your eligibility based on a qualifying condition(s).
From start to finish, the medical evaluation takes approximately 10-15 minutes.