Kentucky to Host Medical Marijuana License Lottery in October
Kentucky is set to take a significant step towards implementing its medical cannabis program with a license lottery scheduled for October. The state received nearly 5,000 applications from businesses seeking to obtain a license to sell medical marijuana, but only 48 licenses will be awarded.
The first permits are expected to be awarded next month, with the program on track to launch in January 2025. However, with a limited number of licenses available, there are concerns about the availability of product on shelves. To address this issue, Governor Andy Beshear has announced a backup plan, which would allow individuals to purchase medical marijuana from other states, such as Ohio, if necessary.
Despite the limited number of licenses, Governor Beshear does not expect high demand for the product, citing the program’s restrictive nature, which only allows individuals with specific qualifying conditions to purchase medical marijuana. The lottery is a significant milestone in the implementation of Kentucky’s medical cannabis program, and the state is working to ensure a smooth launch.
