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Beshear requests expansion of qualifying medical conditions for cannibis use

During his Team Kentucky weekly update Thursday, Governor Andy Beshear said he sent a letter to legislative leadership recommending the General Assembly expand Kentucky's list of qualifying medical conditions for medical cannabis in the 2026 regular session.

The recommendation includes conditions such as ALS, Parkinson's, Crohn's disease, sickle cell anemia, fibromyalgia, glaucoma and terminal illness, among others.

"Expanding the list to include these conditions could help provide relief to approximately 430,000 Kentuckians," said Gov. Beshear. "In most other states that have medical cannabis, these conditions are included, and this recommendation aligns with the Kentucky Board of Physicians and Advisors, which unanimously supported expanding qualifying conditions."

More than 18,500 Kentuckians have been approved for medical cannabis cards. Over 510 practitioners are registered to issue certifications.

(AP file photo)

12 hours ago