Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program Surpasses 30,000 Patients

More than 30,000 patients have registered for the Kentucky medical cannabis program, WNKY reports.

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman (D) announced the milestone last Thursday during the weekly Team Kentucky update. Officials also said there are now 47 licensed medical cannabis businesses operational in Kentucky, including 27 dispensaries, and the commonwealth’s program is more than halfway rolled out.

“Kentuckians suffering from PTSD, cancer, terminal illnesses, sickle cell anemia and more deserve a safe, non-addictive option for relief, and medical cannabis provides that. “I’m proud that Team Kentucky has approved more than 30,000 Kentuckians for medical cannabis cards, and that we are more than halfway finished in our build-out of approved medical cannabis businesses – just two years after legalization. Every step of this process has put patients first.” — Coleman, in a statement

Only patients diagnosed with certain severe medical conditions, like cancer or chronic pain, can enroll in the Kentucky cannabis program.

Earlier this year, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) issued an executive order adding 15 new conditions to the program. This prompted Kentucky House Majority Whip Jason Nemes (R) — who lost his seat in last week’s election to a Democratic challenger — to call for the prosecution of any organizations or licensees who followed the governor’s order, claiming Beshear had overstepped his role.