LEX 18 reports that Kentucky officials awarded two of the first medical cannabis cards in the state and announced the approval of another 2,200 patient applications.
Gov. Andy Beshear, (D), and Sam Flynn – the Executive Director of the Office of Medical Cannabis – presented the first two cards to Ryan Grell a medical director, owner and medical director of Kentucky Medical Marijuana Center and Merissa Khumalo a former Rise STEM Academy for Girls teacher.
According to the governor, nearly 4,000 requests for medical marijuana had been received by the state. Beshear stated that as of Thursday “66 applications had been rejected, of which 51 were due to technical problems, but they could reapply. 15 were denied because of a disqualifying felon offense.”
Kentucky Medical Cannabis Patients’ Second Amendment Rights: Governor calls on lawmakers
He said that no law-abiding Kentuckian or American should be forced to decide between their constitutional rights like the Second Amendment, and the medications they require. “That’s the reason I’m asking the congressional delegation for legislation to deal with this issue to protect the Constitutional rights of Kentuckians, as well all Americans. Our Bill of Rights should not allow us to be denied a constitutional right just because we choose the legalized medication system that is best for ourselves.
Kentucky’s medical cannabis program is officially launched January 1, 2025.
A registered doctor must approve the patient to be eligible for this program. Cancer, chronic pain and epilepsy are all qualifying conditions. Multiple sclerosis, chronic vomiting, post-traumatic anxiety disorder, and chronic nausea also qualify.
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