Kentucky's medical marijuana law — which will enable dispensaries to open in the beginning of 2025 — permits communities to opt out of allowing cannabis businesses in their region if they choose. None of the more than 100 cities and counties that put that question to voters opted out.
Right now, the state is in the process of vetting applicants and granting licenses to cannabis-related businesses and operations with a lottery system deciding who ultimately receives the first limited round of licenses
Governor Andy Beshear said there's no shortage of interest.
"As you know, we received an overwhelming interest for the 48 dispensary licenses that we'll be allocating through the license lottery. Over 4000 applicants applied for a dispensary license in one or more of the 11 regions," he said recently.
Tuesday's vote means none of the communities that put the question on the ballot will be barring those dispensaries. Even if a county or city were to opt out under the law, Kentucky citizens with medical marijuana licenses would still be able to legally possess and use the products in those communities.
