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Gallatin County reviews medical cannabis options as Dec. 31 opt-in deadline approaches
Summary
Court received information from the Kentucky Cannabis Association on medical cannabis rules and discussed whether Gallatin County should opt in, opt out, or hold public hearings to meet a statutory 12/31/2024 deadline for local decisions.
The Gallatin County Fiscal Court on Sept. 12 reviewed information on Kentucky’s new medical cannabis licensing rules and discussed whether to adopt an ordinance to opt in or opt out of allowing dispensaries in the county.
At the meeting the court received a handout from Sam Flynn of the Kentucky Cannabis Association; the chair summarized the basic choice counties face: adopt a resolution to allow medical cannabis dispensaries, pass a resolution to opt out, or do nothing and accept the statutory default. The chair said the local decision needs to be in place by Dec. 31, 2024, and suggested the court consider a special meeting and an ordinance with readings timed to meet statutory deadlines.
Members discussed how licenses will be allocated by advertising region (four dispensary licenses per ad region were described), how cities within the county may opt in or out independently, and whether the county should expect substantial local applications. Several participants asked about tax revenue, business-license requirements and how a county decision would interact with neighboring jurisdictions. One participant expressed concern that opting in could be irreversible under state rules; the chair said the court should take public testimony before deciding.
No formal action was taken Sept. 12. The court indicated it may add the issue to an upcoming meeting agenda and hold a special meeting or public hearing to collect testimony and consider ordinance readings before the statutory deadline.
