Kentucky Senate Passes Medical Marijuana Bill

The bill would allow residents with pain and other serious medical conditions access to non-smokable forms of medical marijuana.

Shutterstock photo.

(Frankfort, Ky.) – Kentucky is one step closer to the legalization of medical marijuana.

This week, the Kentucky Senate voted 26-11 in favor of Senate Bill 47.

The legislation would provide residents with pain and other serious medical conditions access to non-smokable forms of medical marijuana.

Several medical conditions could qualify someone to use the product, including cancer, chronic and other types of pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms, chronic nausea, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Before accessing cannabis, patients must register and receive approval for a special identification card. Patients under 18 years old would not be allowed to possess, purchase, or acquire medicinal cannabis without the assistance of a designated caregiver.

Other proponents of the bill include the creation of separate licenses for cultivators, dispensers and producers, and allowing the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services oversight and latitude in developing regulations.

Governor Beshear has signaled he would sign the bill.

If that happens, Kentucky would be the 38th state to legalize a form of medical marijuana.

In the event the bill gets signed into law, the effective date would be January 1, 2025.

More from Local News

Events

East Central FFA Students Compete at State, One Advances to Nationals

Congrats to the six students who made it to the state level.

Overnight Lane Closures Needed on Carroll Cropper Bridge

Single lane closures scheduled for tonight on I-275 eastbound and westbound within the project area.

One Killed in Three-Vehicle Accident in Ripley County

The crash occurred near the Delaware Fire Department.

First ORVC Report of 2026 Spring Season Released

See the top performers in baseball, softball, boys golf and track and field.

East Central Students Recognized at IHSAA Foundation Banquet

These two students have bright futures.

Local Sports Report - April 13, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Johnny Duncan and Janie Fricke - Thinkin' of a Rendezvous

Sara Evans I Could Not Ask For More 22:49
Carly Pearce What He Didn't Do 22:45
Brad Paisley Last Time for Everything 22:41
Tim McGraw Indian Outlaw 22:38