On March 31, 2023, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) signed Senate Bill 47, legalizing medical cannabis in the state.

The Office of Medical Cannabis in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services is charged under KRS Chapter 218B with implementing and administering Kentucky's Medical Cannabis Program.

As of April 18, 2024, the Program has filed 17 regulations establishing the processes and procedures for medical cannabis businesses and registered cardholders.

While the program is not set to begin until 2025, the landmark decision represents a major shift. Many of the policies surrounding the legislation are yet to be established, as an advisory board has not yet been assembled.

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Operators should keep an eye on the state as licensing guidelines become known in Kentucky.

Similar to other markets adopting cannabis regulations, there will be pressure to purchase or lease the best real estate parcels as there are a finite number of compliant quality locations with landlords willing to lease or sell to a cannabis operator.

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