Gov. Beshear announced medical cannabis updates, new scamming prevention program

Governor Andy Beshear announced the opening of more medical cannabis businesses and spotlighted the launch of a scamming prevention program at last week’s Team Kentucky Update.

Medical cannabis was legalized in Kentucky in January 2025, but work is still underway to get dispensaries, cultivation areas, and testing labs up and running. Beshear says so far, 19 licensed medical cannabis businesses are operational in the state. Some of the businesses that opened recently include cultivator Slaughter Branch LLC and Speakeasy Dispensary both in Hopkins County.

Beshear also says more than 19,700 Kentuckians have been approved for medical cannabis cards. To see an up-to-date list of open dispensaries or apply for a medical cannabis card visit kymedcan.ky.gov.

Last week was National Consumer Protection Week and Beshear announced a partnership between the Stop Scams Initiative and Kentucky State Police to share resources concerning scams. Public Protection Cabinet Secretary Ray Perry talked about stopscams.ky.gov a site that offers tips on how to avoid popular scams.

Beshear says the creation of the website comes after a study published by the FBI in 2024 reported the Kentucky is losing more than $74,000 each year to scammers.

As the Kentucky General Assembly continues Beshear was asked about some proposed legislation. House Bill 8 is a constitutional amendment that would allow lawmakers to vote to call a special session, which is currently the power of the governor.

Beshear says if lawmakers used their time more effectively there would be no need for them to call special sessions, which would impact tax payers.

If lawmakers pass HB8, then it will have to be voted on by Kentucky citizens before the constitution is amended.