Beshear expands list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Kentucky
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
FRANKFORT, Ky., (KBSI) — Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order Tuesday directing the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis to issue an emergency regulation clarifying qualifying conditions for medical cannabis.
The clarification adds 15 conditions recognized under Kentucky’s medical cannabis law, including 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 and glaucoma.
According to Beshear, the Office of Medical Cannabis, the Team Kentucky Medical Cannabis Workgroup and the Board of Physicians and Advisors had previously requested legislative clarification, but no action was taken by the General Assembly.
“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,” Beshear said in a statement.
The governor said the move will expand access to medical cannabis as an alternative to opioids for qualifying patients.
Kentucky’s medical cannabis program became legal Jan. 1, 2025, following the passage of Senate Bill 47 in 2023.
State officials said Kentucky currently has 32 licensed medical cannabis businesses in operation and more than 500 registered medical cannabis practitioners. More than 23,700 Kentuckians have been approved for medical cannabis cards.
Patients seeking information about qualifying conditions, participating providers or the application process can visit the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program website.
