Kentucky issues its first medical marijuana cards. Here’s how many were given out
After months of anticipation, Kentucky has issued its first medical marijuana cards to qualifying patients in the state, with Gov. Andy Beshear announcing the approval of more than 2,000 cards during a news conference Thursday.
During the news conference in Frankfort, Beshear awarded the first two cards in a ceremony, one of which went to a former Fayette County teacher.
“We’ll continue to approve cards on a rolling basis moving forward,” Beshear said.
The governor also took the opportunity to urge Congress to amend federal gun control law so medical marijuana patients can access the treatment without forfeiting their gun rights.
“No law-abiding Kentuckian, or American for that matter, should have to choose between a Constitutional right like the Second Amendment and getting the medication that they need,” Beshear said Thursday.
Here’s what to know about the first medical marijuana cards awarded in Kentucky history. It’s worth noting medical marijuana sales have not begun in Kentucky.
Kentucky awards 2,000+ medical marijuana cards, more to come
Thursday, Gov. Beshear awarded Kentucky’s first two medical marijuana cards to Dr. Ryan Grell and Merissa Khumalo, presenting each with framed cards.
Khumalo is a former teacher at Fayette County’s Rise STEM Academy for Girls, which educates some 900 students, according to its website. Currently, Khumalo is pursuing a career in digital marketing, according to a state official who introduced Khumalo at the ceremony.
“I’m really excited about this program because it will empower individuals and expand health care access in Kentucky,” Khumalo said, accepting the card. “Medical cannabis puts the patients in charge of their health care decisions, letting them work with providers to find the right strains, doses and administration methods that are right for them.
“Through medical cannabis, Kentuckians get an alternative to opioids and have more control over their treatment options,” Khumalo added.
Kentucky has a narrow list of qualifying conditions that allow potential cannabis patients to get a card, including chronic pain, cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy or other illnesses.
Grell, the first cardholder Beshear announced Thursday, is an anesthesiologist and a certified practitioner registered with the state’s medical cannabis program. Grell serves on the state program’s advisory board, which consists of doctors and advanced nurse practitioners.
“From managing pain to helping with mental health, medical cannabis can make patients’ lives immeasurably better. There’s a mountain of scientific evidence showing cannabis is a safe and effective medicine. Patients should not be forced to use more medications that are addictive, like opioids to treat their illnesses,” Grell said in accepting his card.
In addition to announcing the first two medical marijuana cardholders in Kentucky, Beshear said the state had approved more than 2,000 cards as of Thursday. A state portal for qualifying patients to apply for cards officially opened Jan. 1. The state’s Office of Medical Cannabis had 30 days to review the applications.
As of Jan. 30, Beshear said only 66 applications have been denied out of more than 4,000 the state has received. Most were due to technical difficulties and are eligible to apply again, but 15 applications were denied because of disqualifying felony offenses, Beshear said.
Do you plan to apply for a medical marijuana card in Kentucky? Our service journalism team would like to talk with you. Give us some information with the form below or email ask@herald-leader.com.