Kentucky's Office of Medical Cannabis licenses dispensaries under KRS Chapter 218B with statewide buffer requirements and a local opt-out system, allowing cities and counties to prohibit or restrict dispensaries through ordinance or ballot referendum.
KRS 218B.110 to 218B.135 establish dispensary licensing through the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. State law requires dispensaries to be at least 1,000 feet from schools and daycare centers. Under KRS 218B.135, cities and counties may by ordinance prohibit cannabis businesses entirely or place the question on the ballot for voter approval. Local governments retain authority over zoning, hours, and reasonable distance restrictions, but cannot impose license requirements duplicative of state licensure or override the state minimum buffer. License caps and lottery selection are handled exclusively by the state.
Operating without state licensure carries criminal penalties under KRS 218A; violating buffer or local zoning may result in license revocation and civil enforcement by the state and local authorities.
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See how Burlington's dispensary zoning rules stack up against other locations.
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