The results are in and every Northern Kentucky town that put medical cannabis operations on the ballot has passed them.
While some Northern Kentucky cities have already allowed or banned medical cannabis operations, 10 cities left the decision up to voters.
Here are the cities that placed medical cannabis on the ballot and how residents voted:
- Alexandria: yes
- Bellevue: yes
- Crestview Hills: yes
- Elsmere: yes
- Florence: yes
- Independent: yes
- Ludlow: yes
- Southgate: Yes
- Union: yes
- Wilder: yes
“I think the city council made a wise decision when they decided to put this issue on the ballot,” Independence Mayor Chris Reinersman said. “While I believe we are elected to make decisions, this is not something voters anticipated when they elected their city council. Now that they have confirmed their choice, we will continue to move forward with zoning and other preparations to ensure that we are ready to go on January 1.”
On a practical level, I think it’s unlikely we’ll see anything in the near term based on the limited number of licenses the state is issuing.”
So, what does this mean?
As of January 1, 2025, medical cannabis will be legal in the state of Kentucky. Each city is responsible for creating zoning regulations to allow or disallow these types of businesses to operate.
All three NKY counties enacted bans on medical cannabis facilities, so municipalities that have not taken action fall under the county ban.
Each region will initially be granted at least four dispensary licenses, but no more than one dispensary can be located in each county – the exceptions being Kentucky’s two largest counties, Jefferson and Fayette. No licenses were issued to medical cannabis businesses in Boone, Kenton or Campbell counties in the state’s first licensing lottery, the results of which were released Oct. 28.
A total of 16 grower licenses and 10 processor licenses were issued during the state’s first license lottery round. No licenses for dispensaries, where someone can buy medical cannabis with their government-issued card, were issued anywhere. New license rounds will take place in the future.
Provided by Florence City Council, Joshua Hunt to LINK nky
Local authorities have until January 1 to take action if they want to allow companies to operate in their cities and counties.
“It is currently uncertain whether Alexandria will see any medical cannabis businesses as a result of this next licensing process,” Alexandria Mayor Andy Schabell told LINK nky. “In the meantime, the Alexandria Planning Commission is actively developing zoning recommendations to facilitate the integration of these businesses within our community in a safe and structured manner. We are committed to ensuring that all development is consistent with Alexandria’s interests and values.”
What qualifies someone for a medical card?
To qualify for a medical card, according to the Office Of Medical Cannabis, the applicant must be a resident of Kentucky, have no disqualifying felonies and be diagnosed with at least one of these medical conditions:
- Any type or form of cancer
- Chronic or severe pain
- Epilepsy or other difficult-to-treat seizure disorder
- Multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms or spasticity
- Chronic nausea or cyclic vomiting syndrome
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Applications for the card can be submitted starting January 1, 2025. Before applying, those seeking a card must obtain a “written medical cannabis certificate from a licensed physician,” according to the Office Of Medical Cannabis.
“The citizens of Florence have clearly supported the location of cannabis-related businesses in our city,” said Florence Mayor Julie Aubuchon. “City staff have spent countless hours preparing for this outcome. We will have a special meeting on November 6th to consider the zoning and business regulations necessary to allow these types of businesses within city limits. Our city administration strives to be responsive to the wishes of our citizens to incorporate these changes in a timely manner.”
Here are other cities in the region when it comes to medical cannabis:
Allowed
- Covington
- Dayton
- Erlanger
- Fort Wright
Prohibited
- Boone County
- Campbell County
- Kenton County
- Union
- Taylor Mill
- Walton
LINK nky is a media partner of WCPO.com.
