KENTON COUNTY, Ky. — In an impressive demonstration of community support, a significant 106 cities and counties across Kentucky voted to permit the establishment of medical cannabis businesses in their localities during the recent November election, marking a major shift in the state’s approach to medical marijuana access.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear revealed the results during a Nov. 7 Team Kentucky update, which highlighted the changing landscape of medical cannabis regulation in the state.
The list of supportive jurisdictions includes 10 Northern Kentucky cities: Alexandria, Bellevue, Crestview Hills, Elsmere, Florence, Independence, Ludlow, Southgate, Union, and Wilder, showcasing a regional trend toward expanded access to medical treatments.
“This signals what we have known for a long time, which is that the jury is no longer out on medical cannabis,” Beshear emphasized. “Kentuckians want their families, friends, and neighbors who are grappling with serious medical conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, or PTSD to have safe and affordable access.”
However, the overwhelming demand for medical marijuana businesses currently faces a starkly limited availability of operational licenses, according to Bellevue Mayor Charlie Cleves, who expressed concerns about the competitiveness of small cities like his.
“I mean, we are a tiny little piece of this great big puzzle,” Cleves remarked. “The odds are against us getting it. We’re so tiny, and we had so few applications compared to larger cities like Covington and Newport.” He noted that voters in his city overwhelmingly approved the ballot measure by approximately a three-to-one ratio.
“I was surprised at the amount it passed in Bellevue,” he admitted. “Some of the residents that I speak to are dead bang against it … a lot of the younger people think of it as a good thing. So I just tell them whatever happens, happens.” This sentiment underscores the divide in public opinion as younger demographics increasingly advocate for cannabis legalization.
The Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis indicates that a state-run lottery for processor and cultivator licenses has already been conducted, yet no licenses were allocated to businesses operating within Boone, Kenton, or Campbell counties. With two additional lotteries scheduled this year, the state is moving forward to distribute dispensary licenses.
The first dispensary lottery, set for Nov. 25, aims to award licenses in nine of Kentucky’s 11 medicinal cannabis regions, including the competitive Northern Kentucky region.
Each of the nine designated regions will be granted four licenses, with a critical stipulation of one dispensary license permitted per county, setting the stage for intense competition.
The Northern Kentucky region comprises Boone, Bracken, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen, and Pendleton counties, meaning that only a fraction of the 395 businesses that applied in the region—just four—will ultimately secure licenses.
The second lottery is earmarked for Dec. 16, targeting Louisville’s Kentuckiana Region and Lexington’s Bluegrass Region. Given the larger populations in these areas, Jefferson and Fayette counties will receive an additional two licenses each to accommodate local demand.
Before any medical marijuana operations can begin, cities are tasked with developing zoning regulations that dictate whether such businesses can thrive within their jurisdictions or will be barred from operation altogether.
“I think it’s a long shot we’re going to get a business,” Independence Mayor Chris Reinersman commented. “We are neither advocating nor trying to deter businesses.” However, he did convey cautious optimism as zoning changes are already being considered, driven by a “model ordinance” drafted by the Planning and Development Services of Kenton County.
He mentioned that the Independence City Council will review the ordinance during an upcoming meeting, and if approved, the zoning will be fully established by Jan. 1.
Reinersman also emphasized the importance of reviewing employment policies to ensure the safety and compliance of city employees, especially within the police force. “For our 50-plus city employees — particularly, we have police officers — we want to make sure we have those bases covered,” he stated. “We’re working with other cities and the Kentucky League of Cities [on that].”
According to the Office Of Medical Cannabis, individuals interested in applying for a medical marijuana card must meet specific criteria. Prospective applicants must be Kentucky residents, free of disqualifying felony offenses, and officially diagnosed with at least one of several qualifying medical conditions, which include:
- Any type or form of cancer;
- Chronic or severe pain;
- Epilepsy or other intractable seizure disorder;
- Multiple sclerosis, muscle spasms or spasticity;
- Chronic nausea or cyclical vomiting syndrome; and
- Post-traumatic stress disorder.
Kentucky plans to begin accepting applications for medical marijuana cards on Jan. 1, 2025, but prospective applicants must first secure a “written certification for medical cannabis from an authorized medical practitioner,” according to the Office Of Medical Cannabis, ensuring that only those with legitimate medical needs can access this new treatment option.
**Interview with Charlie Cleves, Mayor of Bellevue, Kentucky**
**Editor**: Thank you for joining us today, Mayor Cleves. The recent election results indicate widespread community support for medical cannabis businesses across Kentucky, especially here in Northern Kentucky. What are your initial thoughts on this shift?
**Charlie Cleves**: Thanks for having me. It’s truly a significant moment for our community. We saw overwhelming support in Bellevue, with the ballot measure passing by a three-to-one margin. It reflects a growing acceptance of medical cannabis as a viable option for those dealing with serious illnesses.
**Editor**: That’s a strong endorsement from your constituents. However, there are concerns regarding the limited number of licenses available for businesses. Can you elaborate on that?
**Charlie Cleves**: Absolutely. While it’s fantastic to see so much support, the reality is that the competition for these licenses is fierce. We’re a small city, and compared to larger urban areas like Covington or Newport, our chances are quite slim. Many people in our community are eager for access, but we only have a small window of opportunity.
**Editor**: You’ve mentioned that some residents have mixed feelings about cannabis legalization. Can you speak to the divide in public opinion you’ve encountered?
**Charlie Cleves**: Yes, there are definitely differing views. Older residents, in particular, may have reservations, while many young people are more open to it. I think it’s about educating the community on the benefits and safety of medical cannabis. The passage of the measure shows that there’s an appetite for change, but it’s essential to balance those sentiments.
**Editor**: With the upcoming dispensary lottery, how do you feel about Bellevue’s chances of securing a license?
**Charlie Cleves**: Honestly, I think it’s a long shot for us. The state is limiting licenses to one per county, and with only four available in our region, the odds are not in our favor. However, I remain optimistic. The very fact that we passed the measure is a step forward, and it could influence zoning regulations positively moving forward.
**Editor**: Speaking of zoning regulations, how is Bellevue planning to approach that?
**Charlie Cleves**: We’re currently discussing how to construct zoning regulations that could allow for medical cannabis businesses while ensuring they fit within our community’s character. We want to be open and supportive but also cautious about how we integrate them into our neighborhoods.
**Editor**: Thank you, Mayor Cleves, for your insights. It’s clear that while the path ahead may be challenging, the community support for medical cannabis in Bellevue is strong. We look forward to seeing how this unfolds.
**Charlie Cleves**: Thanks for having me. I’m optimistic that we can navigate these challenges and provide much-needed access for our residents in the future.
