April 26, 2024

Medical cannabis in your county? New legislation speeds up timetable in Kentucky

The clock is ticking for local governments in Kentucky, who face an important decision on how they will address the new industry of medical marijuana, which becomes legal in the state on Jan. 1, 2025.

Prospective cannabis businesses are currently reviewing state regulations and making plans to become licensed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. So what does that mean for counties and cities?

Join us on May 8 at 2 p.m. EDT for a virtual member briefing with Sam Flynn, executive director of the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program. Register here.

Sample medical cannabis ordinance

This document is a sample ordinance relating to the prohibition of cannabis business operations in a county.

Sample medical cannabis resolution

For counties wanting to put the question to voters, this document is a sample resolution authorizing a referendum to determine whether cannabis business operations may occur in a county.

Kentucky medical cannabis laws, regulations and executive orders

Under the purview of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program provides information and resources on its website including links to laws and regulations, forms and an FAQ page.

Visit KACo's Medical Cannabis County Resource Page here

Medical Cannabis Member Poll

What action does your county plan to take when in comes to medical cannabis businesses? Prohibit? Allow? Put it to a vote? Let us know below.

County Government 101: Catastrophic Medical Reimbursement

Catastrophic medical reimbursement is a Department of Corrections (DOC) Division of Local Facilities fund to assist counties in offsetting the costs of medical care for county inmates.

The county is responsible for the initial $1,000 cost of care. Once the reimbursement request is approved by the DOC, the DOC will reimburse the county for the remaining balance.

Hands-free devices and voice command systems are not safer

Americans have increasingly accepted that handheld cell phone use is dangerous for drivers, and alternatives such as hands-free devices and voice command systems have been embraced by consumers and manufacturers alike.

While hands-free options may be marginally safer than handheld devices, eliminating driver use of all types of cell phones will always be the safest option.

2023 annual employment data for Kentucky counties released

Annual unemployment rates increased in 80 Kentucky counties in 2023, decreased in 22 and stayed the same in 18 counties, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet.

Upcoming Training Opportunties

See all training opportunities here

This week in pictures

Magoffin County Judge/Executive Matt Wireman sporting his KACo camo hat for turkey season.

KACo camo looks good on Grant County Magistrate Jacqalynn Riley and her husband Stanley, too!

Boyd County hosted a two-day music festival called Rock the Country, which featured artists Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Kid Rock and several others.

Anderson County Judge/Executive Orbrey Gritton, chair of the All Lines Fund Board, leads the meeting this week.

All Lines Fund Board Vice Chair Stacy Tapke, who is county attorney in Kenton County, looks over a report during this week's meeting.

Madison County Judge/Executive Reagan Taylor, left, and Webster County Judge/Executive Steve Henry participate in this week's meeting of the All Lines Fund Board.

KACo President/Scott County Magistrate at this week's meeting of the Unemployment Insurance Board.

Unemployment Insurance Board members David Livingston, KACo President/Scott County Magistrate; David Fields, Pendleton County Judge/Executive; Randy Dial, Casey County Judge/Executive; Elbert Bennett, Caldwell County Magistrate; and Jacqalynn Riley, Grant County Magistrate

KACo President-elect/Harlan County Judge/Executive Dan Mosley participated in this week's meeting of the Workers Compensation Board.

KACo 1st Vice President/Union County Judge/Executive Adam O'Nan, Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk David Nicholson and KACo 2nd Vice President/Oldham County Magistrate Michael Logsdon at the Workers Compensation Board meeting.

Carlisle County Judge/Executive Greg Terry is chair of the Workers Compensation Board.

Marion County Judge/Executive David Daugherty received the Palmer A. "Pete" Peterson Memorial Award at the 56th Lincoln Trail Area Development District Board of Directors Annual Meeting. The award honors an outstanding member of the board of directors.

There was a great turnout this week at the Grayson County Detention Center Training Facility for a two-day training for jail personnel.

Grayson County Jailer Jason Woosley and his staff helped host the instruction, which focused on best practices associated with the use of force, transportation and prisoner restraints.

This class was open to all jailers and staff members. Thanks to everyone who participated.