Uh-OH, legal cannabis is even closer to more Kentuckians
How will adult-use sales in Ohio affect Kentucky’s medical cannabis program?
Kentucky’s medical cannabis program has not begun to enroll patients yet, but more residents of the Bluegrass state just got access to legal cannabis. Two states at Kentucky’s western borders—Missouri and Illinois—already approved adult-use (or “recreational”) sales. When Ohio’s adult-use cannabis sales opened August 6, 2024, people who live in eastern and northern regions of Kentucky are much closer to dispensaries.
Ohio became the twenty-fourth state to legalize adult-use cannabis when its residents approved a ballot measure in November 2023. This measure comes eight years after Ohio’s approval of a medical cannabis program in 2016.
Adults aged 21 and over may visit dispensaries and purchase up to the individual product limit set by the Ohio legislature. Limits on sales were set initially to ensure stock is available for medical cannabis patients. Purchase caps are set mainly based on how much THC is in the product, and the limit is cumulative across all dosage forms.
Plant material (“flower”) - 2.83 ounces (called the “Ohio tenth”)
Oil concentrates for vaporization - 10 units, or 5.9 grams THC
Edibles - 10 packages, or 1.1 grams THC
Initially, only products allowed under the medical program will be sold. That means pre-rolls and concentrates exceeding 70% THC won’t be at dispensaries until a later undetermined date.
Until the medical program is fully implemented, Kentucky residents can legally possess cannabis purchased legally in Ohio certain criteria are met. Limits on the amount of cannabis, qualifying medical conditions, and other requirements are outlined in Governor Andy Beshear’s executive order, signed November 15, 2022.
It is important to note, that regardless of the medical or legal status of cannabis in a particular state, employers can and do set their own rules for drug testing. Furthermore, patients can begin registering for the program in Kentucky on January 1, 2025. If clinics are promising “medical marijuana cards” prior to that date, it is likely a scam. Prospective patients in Kentucky are advised to download and read the Qualified Patient & Designated Caregiver Guide from the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program.
More Kentucky residents are able to legally purchase cannabis as bordering states legalize adult-use sales. It is yet to be seen how will affect the Commonwealth’s projected patient numbers or the price of available products. While increased access to cannabis medicine is certainly a win for Kentuckians, cannabis use is safer and optimized when paired with consultation with a cannabis-trained healthcare professional.