LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – The Metro Council approved a new ordinance Thursday night detailing the framework for medical marijuana sales in the Louisville metro area starting next year.
The regulations were passed with a 22-1 vote and will set the standards for businesses seeking licenses to operate as medical marijuana dispensaries.
The Office of Planning conducted a survey of interested business owners who are eager to start operations as soon as possible in the new year.
“There was a strong sense of urgency,” said City Planning Manager Joe Haberman. “They wanted clear regulations quickly to guide their investment decisions.”
According to the ordinance, dispensaries must be located at least 1,000 feet away from schools and childcare centers. Business activities must occur indoors, except for allowed loading areas, drive-through windows, and curbside pickups.
Dispensaries will be restricted to operating between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., among other rules.
They can only be situated in commercial and industrial zones, and a city permit is required for those in commercial areas in addition to a state license.
“If they’re in a commercial zone, they’ll need to obtain a conditional use permit from the Office of Planning,” Haberman explained.
Medical marijuana became legal in Kentucky with the passage of Senate Bill 47 last year. License applications opened on July 1 and will close on August 31, with sales starting on January 1.
Dee Dee Taylor, founder of 502 Hemp Wellness Center, has already submitted her license application, paying the $5,000 fee. The application process requires detailed documentation including business history, operational plans, ownership details, financial information, and site plans.
“You need to outline camera placements, have a lease or letter of intent for property, and provide proof of at least $150,000 in available funds or credit,” Taylor said. If her application is successful, she will enter a lottery for a license, which is just the first step in the process.
Getting marijuana from producers is strictly regulated by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, which means dispensaries like Taylor’s may not be ready to sell by January 1.
“You need to account for seed-to-sale tracking, and the Cabinet must verify the origin of products, so it’s likely there won’t be products available for sale immediately,” Taylor added.
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