Gov. Beshear signs executive order allowing Kentuckians with certain medical conditions to use medical marijuana

On Tuesday, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced he has signed an executive order to allow Kentuckians to buy marijuana from other states where purchase is legal and bring it back to Kentucky for medical use beginning January 1, 2023.

In order for an individual to be able to do this, they must have a severe medical condition and meet specific requirements. The executive order outlines 21 medical conditions that are eligible including cancer, multiple sclerosis, post-traumatic stress disorder, muscular dystrophy, a terminal illness and others.

Conditions of the order are as follows:

• Cannabis must be bought in the United States of America in a state where the purchase is legal and regulated. Kentuckians will need to keep their receipt.
• The amount a person can purchase and possess at any one time must not exceed 8 ounces, which is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in Kentucky.
• Each Kentuckian must also have a certification from a licensed health care provider that shows that the individual has been diagnosed with at least one of 21 medical conditions. A copy of the certification must be retained.

The Governor said that guidance is being created for law enforcement to determine quickly and
accurately who does and does not qualify.

Read the executive order for the complete list of conditions.

Beshear also said his announcement is not a substitute for “much-needed” legislation to fully legalize medical cannabis.

Additionally, it was announced that Kentucky will now regulate the sale of Delta 8, a cannabis product that contains THC at lower levels than marijuana, following a court ruling this year stating it is legal in Kentucky.