Carlisle County votes to place medical-cannabis question on 2024 ballot

Carlisle County magistrates voted unanimously to place a medical-cannabis referendum on the 2024 ballot, giving residents the choice whether to allow licensed medical-cannabis activity in the county.

Speaker 2 presented the resolution and read the proposed ballot language: "Are you in favor of the sales of medical cannabis at a licensed dispensary and the operations of the cannabis business in Carlisle County, Kentucky? Yes or no?" Speaker 1 moved to approve the resolution and Speaker 6 seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.

Board members discussed community outreach to explain the referendum. Several members suggested posting information on the county Facebook page and gauging interest before scheduling a town-hall meeting; Speaker 2 said county staff would post a questionnaire asking whether residents wanted more information or a meeting. Officials also noted that state law limits the number and location of retail dispensaries across the state and that any in-county operations are unlikely given the state allocation of licenses.

The resolution addresses only medical use; speakers emphasized that the county is providing the public a yes-or-no choice and that further local decisions would follow only if voters approve the measure. The board did not adopt any additional local licensing rules at the meeting and agreed to return the matter to the agenda for future community engagement and any required administrative steps.

The resolution will be included on the 2024 ballot as approved; the county said it will publish information online and consider a meeting in September to answer questions from residents.