LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky is taking new steps to make medical marijuana a reality next year.
Medical marijuana is set to become legal in the commonwealth beginning in January 2025. This week, Gov. Andy Beshear signed House Bill 829 into law, which allows businesses to apply for a license to sell medical cannabis.
The application process will open July 1, and a set number licenses will be issued using a lottery system.
"We have worked hard to create a safe system that limits or eliminates abuse while still providing relief to that veteran suffering from PTSD or individual suffering unbearable epileptic seizure after epileptic seizure," Beshear said during his weekly news conference Thursday.
In addition to the application process, HB829 will allow public and private schools to opt out of the program if a school district chooses to allow students to use it at school. The district would just need to establish a policy.
The bill will also require a pharmacist consultation to make sure the drug doesn't have a negative reaction with a patient's other prescriptions.
Patients will not be able to purchase medical marijuana until 2025. All medical cannabis sold in Kentucky must be cultivated, processed and produced in the Commonwealth.
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