Introduction

In 2023, Kentucky lawmakers passed Senate Bill 47 (SB 47), legalizing medical marijuana for patients with certain serious health conditions. Governor Andy Beshear signed the bill into law on March 31, 2023, marking a historic step forward for patient care in the Commonwealth.

But while the law has been on the books for more than two years, the process of rolling out the new medical marijuana law isn’t yet complete. The program is rolling out in carefully planned phases. The law officially went into effect on January 1, 2025, allowing patients to register and to be awarded licenses through a lottery system.

This post breaks down basic information about Kentucky’s medical marijuana law: what it allows, when it took effect, who qualifies, and what challenges remain. This is not legal advice and readers are encouraged to contact an attorney with their questions prior to relying on this information, as this is a new and ever-changing area of the law.