Kentucky Gov. Beshear: 'Go Online And Find' Your Medical Marijuana Practitioner On Dec. 1

Democratic Governor Andy Beshear announced on Thursday that Kentucky's medical marijuana program is right on schedule and ready to meet its Dec. 1 launch date.

"Beginning December 1, the authorized practitioners will be able to begin issuing valid written certifications to Kentucky patients," Beshear said in his Thursday Team Kentucky address. "So on December 1, not only can you go online and find where these practitioners are, but you can go ahead and go see them and have your written certification issued to them."

Since July, 154 health professionals have been authorized as medical cannabis practitioners. To ensure seamless access for patients, Beshear's administration has launched the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Practitioner Directory, an online tool that will also go live on December 1.

"This tool will ensure Kentuckians can find the care they need close to home," Beshear said. "But ultimately medical cannabis is about health care the purpose of this program is to help Kentuckians who are suffering."

Read Also: Long-Term Study Reveals Cannabis May Slow Cognitive Decline: Everything You Need To Know

The spotlight now shifts to dispensary licensing, with two lotteries planned to determine selectees. The first lottery, covering nine of the state's 11 medical cannabis regions, will take place the Monday before Thanksgiving in Louisville. The final two regions will have their licensees drawn on Dec. 16.

The Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis has already issued 29 licenses for cultivators, processors and safety compliance facilities, laying the groundwork for a robust supply chain, noted the West Kentucky Star.

Meanwhile, local support for the program continues to grow. During the November elections, over 100 Kentucky cities and counties approved ordinances allowing medical marijuana businesses to operate in their jurisdictions.

"The jury is no longer out," Beshear said at the time, noting the bipartisan support among voters. "Kentuckians want their families, friends, and neighbors with serious medical conditions to have access to safe and effective treatment. We're keeping our promise to make that a reality."

Now Read:

• GOP-Led Group Calls For Legal Cannabis In Indiana: ‘Tell Your Legislator It’s Time’

Photo: TeamKentucky.gov