Kentucky’s medical marijuana program is getting a major change next month. Starting July 1, Kentuckians will no longer be able to bring medical marijuana into the state from other states. Since 2022, an executive order has allowed patients with qualifying conditions to do so while Kentucky built its own medical cannabis program.

Expanded Qualifying Conditions

Governor Andy Beshear says the state now has enough dispensaries and product to serve patients in the commonwealth. Earlier this month, Beshear signed a new executive order announcing 15 more qualifying conditions will be covered under the program. These conditions include terminal illness, sickle cell anemia, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, HIV, AIDS, Huntington’s disease, muscular dystrophy, cachexia or wasting syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, neuropathies, severe arthritis, fibromyalgia, and glaucoma.

Beshear stated, ‘The law is meant to provide a safe alternative form of pain relief for Kentuckians suffering, yet the law’s lack of clarity prevented too many people from receiving help. This step makes the law more clear.’ He also emphasized the importance of continuing to offer an alternative to dangerous and addictive opioids. Since medical marijuana became legal in Kentucky, more than 23,700 residents have been approved for medical cannabis cards.

Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.