Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Friday signed a bill to legalize medical marijuana, making the Bluegrass State the 38th in the nation to approve the medicinal use of cannabis for patients with serious health conditions. The Democratic governor, who had repeatedly called on lawmakers to legalize medical marijuana, signed the measure, Senate Bill 47, at a ceremony in Frankfort on Friday morning.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Friday signed legislation to legalize medical marijuana in the state.
“I have been pushing for medical cannabis and sports betting for years,” Beshear said in a Twitter post, referring to Senate Bill 47 and a separate measure to legalize sports gaming. “Today, I signed these two bills into law. Team Kentucky delivers and we get results. Congrats, Kentucky.”
Bill Legalizes Cannabis For Patients With Qualifying Medical Conditions
Senate Bill 47 allows patients with certain qualifying medical conditions including cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy and post-traumatic stress disorder to obtain a doctor’s recommendation to use cannabis medicinally. The bill does not allow patients to smoke marijuana, although it does allow for the sale of unprocessed cannabis flower for vaporization. Other cannabis formulations including capsules, tinctures and topical products are also authorized by the bill. Patients will be permitted to possess a 10-day supply of cannabis on their person and a 30-day supply at home.
The legislation directs the Kentucky Cabinet…
