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About the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program
In 2023, the Kentucky General Assembly passed Senate Bill 47 which was signed by Governor Andy Beshear legalizing the use of medical cannabis in Kentucky effective January 1, 2025. The bill also established a framework for state licensure of medical cannabis businesses such as dispensaries, cultivators, processors, and producers. As of January 1, 2025, an individual who meets specific requirements can receive a medical cannabis card from the Cabinet of Health.
Since medical cannabis cannot be transported into the State, Kentucky businesses must grow, produce, test, and sell the cannabis all within Kentucky. The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services maintains the regulations and application process on how proposed businesses can become licensed in Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions - KY Medical Cannabis Program
Paducah’s Support
In May 2024, the Paducah Board of Commissioners approved a resolution supporting the locating of medical cannabis businesses in the City. The resolution pointed out several factors including
- The City of Paducah serves as a medical hub for the surrounding region.
- The City Commission believes that allowing medical cannabis businesses in Paducah will provide a much-needed service to those with qualifying medical conditions.
Types of Businesses and Zoning
In August 2024, the City amended Chapter 126 of Paducah’s Code of Ordinances to provide guidance for the five types of medical cannabis land uses: medical cannabis cultivator, dispensary, processor, producer, and safety compliance facility.
- Medical Cannabis Cultivator
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Permitted in Paducah Zones - M-1 (Light Industrial Zone), M-2 (Heavy Industrial Zone) and M-3 (High Density Industrial zone)
Definition - An entity licensed by the State of Kentucky to plant, grow, cultivate, raise, harvest, trim, store, test, package, label, transfer, transport or sell medicinal cannabis seed, seedlings, medicinal plant, medicinal cannabis or medicinal cannabis product to other licensed cannabis business in the state.
- Medical Cannabis Dispensary
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Permitted in Paducah Zones - B-3 (General Business Zone), HBZ (Highway Business Zone), M-1 (Light Industrial Zone), M-2 (Heavy Industrial Zone), M-3 (High Density Industrial zone), and HM (Hospital-Medical Zone)
Definition - An entity licensed by the State of Kentucky to perform retail sales of medicinal cannabis to registered qualified patients or visiting qualified patients. All medical cannabis dispensaries must meet all of the following conditions:
- Shall not be located within one thousand (1,000) feet of existing elementary schools, secondary schools or daycares;
- Shall not be located within one (1) mile of another medical cannabis dispensary as measured from the nearest property line;
- Shall not be located next to any residential structure or mixed-use structure with a residential component;
- Exterior signage may only, at most, include text that is the licensee’s (1) business or trade name; (2) location & contact information and (3) business type. Exterior signage cannot include a licensee’s logo, symbol, branded colors or any images, including; but not limited to, depicting cannabis/cannabis products or the imagery or action of smoking/vaping. Exterior signs also cannot include mottos, selling messages or any other non-essential text. Exterior signs must be on the same parcel as the store and may be freestanding or wall signs. Exterior signage cannot be larger than necessary to reasonably display the information to individuals within or near the licensed premises and cannot be illuminated by neon lights.
- Medical Cannabis Processor
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Permitted in Paducah Zones - M-1 (Light Industrial Zone), M-2 (Heavy Industrial Zone), and M-3 (High Density Industrial zone)
Definition - An entity licensed by the State of Kentucky to process and/or package raw medicinal cannabis plant material or plants into approved forms of medical cannabis under Kentucky Revised Statutes and regulations.
- Medical Cannabis Producer
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Permitted in Paducah Zones - M-1 (Light Industrial Zone), M-2 (Heavy Industrial Zone) and M-3 (High Density Industrial zone)
Definition - An entity licensed by the State of Kentucky which operates as both a cannabis cultivator and processor.
- Medical Cannabis Safety Compliance Facility
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Permitted in Paducah Zones - M-1 (Light Industrial Zone), M-2 (Heavy Industrial Zone), M-3 (High Density Industrial zone), POP (Planned Office Park), and HM (Hospital-Medicinal Zone)
Definition - An entity licensed by the State of Kentucky in which testing for cannabinoid content, pesticides, mold, contamination, vitamin E acetate and other prohibited additives is conducted.
Zoning Map Information
To help determine compliance with KRS 218B.095(2)(a), the State of Kentucky is providing a zoning tool related to daycare and school locations. Applicants for cannabis business licenses are solely responsible for ensuring that the proposed location for their cannabis business is not located within one thousand (1000) feet of an existing elementary school, secondary school, or daycare center.
Kentucky Zoning Tool - Distance from Daycares and Schools
To help prospective businesses determine zoning compliance within the City of Paducah, view the following zoning map.
