Just as everyone here in Kentucky is ready for Medical Marijuana to roll out over the next year. Some counties are exploring the possibility of opting out.
For instance, Boone County is allowing cities to decide. Tuesday night, the Florence City Council met to discuss what’s next. They never made a decision on whether or not to allow businesses in Florence to apply for a medicinal marijuana license. Meanwhile, The clock is ticking.
Applications for businesses to apply, begin July 1.
In addition, Local governments have three options of voting which include voting yes, voting no and enacting an ordinance to prohibit business licenses, and voting no and putting it on the ballot for voters to decide.
Ultimately, “Our state will allow a petition to be started that could force this as a ballot measure as a referendum.” Said Joshua Hunt, city administrator.
Specifically, applications for businesses to apply for a license to sell medicinal marijuana open on July 1 and close on Aug. 31. Later, Kentucky will hold a lottery in October to award an initial round of licenses to businesses.
Afterwards Kentucky will issue 48 medical cannabis dispensary licenses, divided among 11 regions. Tonight, Hunt said two dispensaries will receive licenses between Kenton, Campbell and Boone counties.
Douglas Cox is hoping that his application for a license will be chosen, stating that, “Two licenses will be split between the three counties. We understand that the program is just starting.”
For instance, He’s hoping to open Blaze Leaf Dispensary.
Furthermore, Counties or cities in Kentucky can pass ordinances prohibiting cannabis operations by Dec. 31 of this year. Cox worries that could hurt local economies and even be dangerous.
“I just think that every Kentuckian deserves access to safe and verified medical cannabis,” Cox said. “We might as well make sure we do it the right way.”
Experts say the decision could impact economic growth in those cities or counties.
Also, Darrin Wilson, an associate professor from Northern Kentucky University. Being on the front end. Allowing monumental growth going forward. There are only a limited amount of licenses.
