Medical Cannabis in Kentucky

Program overview

Kentucky operates Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program, administered by Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

How Kentucky’s law developed

SB 47 signed March 2023 by Governor Beshear, making Kentucky the 38th state to legalize. Full effect January 2025.

Neighboring states

• Illinois
• Indiana
• Missouri
• Ohio
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• West Virginia

Official Kentucky resources

Questions people in Kentucky ask

Is recreational marijuana legal in Kentucky?

No. Recreational marijuana remains illegal in Kentucky. Possession of a small amount is a Class B misdemeanor for a first offense. There is no active recreational legalization effort in the legislature.