Gov. Andy Beshear is calling for more Kentuckians to have access to medical cannabis. WNIN’s John Gibson has details:
Beshear says he has sent a letter to legislative leaders recommending the General Assembly expand Kentucky’s list of qualifying medical conditions in the 2026 Regular Session.
The recommendation includes conditions like ALS, Parkinson’s, Crohn’s, sickle cell anemia, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, and terminal illnesses.
The governor says expanding the list to include those conditions could help provide relief to about 430,000 Kentuckians.
Beshear notes those conditions are included in most other states that have medical cannabis.
He also says the recommendation aligns with the Kentucky Board of Physicians and Advisors.
So far, five cultivators, two safety compliance facilities, one processor, and seven dispensaries are approved to operate in the commonwealth.
Beshear says more than 18,500 Kentuckians have been approved for medical cannabis cards.
More than 500 practitioners are registered to issue certifications.