Gov. Andy Beshear has signed an executive order Tuesday, directing Kentucky’s Office of Medical Cannabis to issue an emergency regulation clarifying the state’s list of qualifying medical conditions for medical cannabis.
The change recognizes 15 additional conditions under Kentucky law, including sickle cell anemia, ALS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, terminal illness, HIV, AIDS, Huntington’s disease, muscular dystrophy, severe arthritis, fibromyalgia, glaucoma and several other chronic conditions.
Beshear said the clarification is intended to expand access to a safe, nonaddictive alternative to opioids for Kentuckians suffering from serious medical conditions. State officials said the Office of Medical Cannabis, the Medical Cannabis Workgroup and the Board of Physicians and Advisors had previously asked the General Assembly to clarify the law, but no legislative action was taken.
Medical Cannabis Board member Dr. Linda McClain said the move will help reduce confusion among patients and providers about whether specific diagnoses qualify under the program.
Rebecca Seavers, president of the Sickle Cell Association of Kentuckiana, praised the decision, saying it provides additional treatment options for patients who often rely on opioid medications to manage severe pain.
Kentucky’s medical cannabis program became legal on Jan. 1, 2025. State officials report that 32 medical cannabis businesses are currently operating, more than 500 practitioners have registered with the program, and more than 23,700 Kentuckians have been approved for medical cannabis cards.
Additional information about qualifying conditions and applications is available through the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program.
