The Campbellsville Police Department is introducing its newest officer on four legs.

K-9 Cowboy and his handler, Officer Chris Milby, returned home last week after completing certification training in Tennessee. Cowboy is hitting the streets to aid in local drug enforcement efforts, while also serving in article searches and human tracking operations.

City officials highlighted that the addition of K-9 Cowboy comes at no cost to local taxpayers, thanks to full sponsorship from community businesses and organizations:

Taylor County ASAP

Don Franklin Auto of Campbellsville

Autosmart

Parrott & Ramsey Funeral Home

Modern Care

Police expressed deep appreciation to the donors for their generous support in bringing Cowboy to the force.

JOY Ministries and Lindsey Wilson University are hosting a joint donation drive on Nov. 3, 2026, to assist area residents facing basic need insecurity.

Location: JOY Ministries, 400 Greensburg St., Columbia, KY

Event & Pickup Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Priority Items: Food supplies—including canned meats, cereal, peanut butter, pasta, rice, and snacks—are most urgently needed.

Hygiene Needs: Unopened dish soap, paper products, toiletries, and personal care supplies are also requested.

All items brought to the drop-off site must be unopened. Residents unable to attend during event hours can reach JOY Ministries at 270-380-1808 or call 606-687-7700 for more information. 

A police pursuit in Somerset ended in multiple crashes Wednesday night, sending several people to the hospital.

The Somerset Fire Department reported that collisions occurred at two intersections, where crews treated patients and cleaned up debris. The total number of crashes and injuries remains unconfirmed.

Police arrested the suspect responsible for the chaos shortly after the incidents.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 21, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development, college campus safety, voter information, the Team Kentucky Food Drive, medical cannabis, National Prescription Drug Takeback Day, First Responders Day, Public Works First Responders Day and public safety. The Governor named Kentucky chef Sara Bradley this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear announced continued growth of the state’s surging economy as Silco Fire & Security – a leader in commercial fire protection – recently broke ground on a new facility in Bullitt County, a $6.4 million investment expected to create 20 Kentucky jobs within the next three years, with the potential to grow to 64 jobs in the future.

The Governor also announced that applications are now being accepted for the Kentucky Talent Recruitment Grant Program, which provides state funding to support communities across the commonwealth with workforce relocation, retention and marketing initiatives.

Safety on College Campuses
Today, Gov. Beshear sent a letter to Kentucky colleges and universities calling on them to conduct a rigorous review of their policies and practices related to sexual assault and harassment over the next 90 days. As part of the 90-day review, universities and colleges should, at minimum, review awareness campaigns; ease of access to resources; reporting steps; victim services and due process; bystander prevention; education on retaliation; and resulting appropriate action.

Under statute, the Governor also requested that the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education use its authority to ensure members of university boards are educated in sexual harassment policies and procedures, including best practices related to reporting and conducting investigations.

“Every Kentuckian has the right to feel safe – and that includes college students on campuses throughout the commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear.  “Over the past month, much-needed conversations have taken place around disturbing events at university campuses nationwide. These conversations have demonstrated the importance of colleges and universities having stronger policies and protocols in place to combat sexual violence and protect students. By working together, we can create learning environments where everyone feels safe.”

Voter Information
Ahead of the Nov. 3 elections in Kentucky, Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians that eligible registered voters without an acceptable form of identification, like a driver’s license, can get a Voter ID card at no cost at Driver Licensing Regional Offices. Voter ID cards are available year-round and can help eligible Kentuckians meet voting identification requirements for upcoming elections if they do not have another accepted form of ID. Driver Licensing Regional Offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The offices will also be open for special hours on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8 to 11:30 a.m., to allow more opportunities for Kentuckians to get a Voter ID card.

The Governor also encouraged Kentuckians to take advantage of no-excuse early voting from Thursday, Oct. 29, to Saturday, Oct. 31. To find out where early voting is taking place in your community, visit govote.ky.gov.

In-person voting on election day will take place Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time. Visit govote.ky.gov for locations. Voters who requested an absentee ballot are reminded that their ballots must be returned to their county clerk by 6 p.m. local time on Nov. 3. Dropbox locations can be found at govote.ky gov.

Team Kentucky Food Drive
The Governor announced that the second Team Kentucky Food Drive will take place Nov. 1-18. There will be boxes in state office buildings throughout the commonwealth where state employees can donate non-perishable food items. Additionally, the public can drop off donations at 1239 Wilkinson Boulevard in Frankfort on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Nov. 2-18, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Donations will be distributed through Feeding Kentucky and its 900 partner pantries. During last year’s drive, more than 12,000 food items were collected.

“Rising costs caused by the ongoing war and federal tariffs are hurting so many families right now. And at the same time that families need help the most, President Trump is kicking people off SNAP. It’s wrong. We should be fighting hunger, not causing it,” said Gov. Beshear. “So, while many of our federal leaders are failing our people, Team Kentucky is taking action to help those in need. If you can, please consider giving. Every donation makes a difference.”

Medical Cannabis Available Across All Licensing Regions
Gov. Beshear announced that medical cannabis is now available across all 11 of Kentucky’s dispensary licensing regionsfollowing the opening of Sunnyside Dispensary in Floyd County. The dispensary officially opened its doors Monday, Oct. 12, following approval from Team Kentucky’s Office of Medical Cannabis on Friday, Oct. 9, and serves as the first dispensary in the Mountain Region.

National Prescription Drug Takeback Day
The Governor reminded Kentuckians that Saturday, Oct. 24, is National Prescription Drug Takeback Day, a nationwide initiative encouraging Americans to take their old prescription drugs to a location near them to have them properly disposed of. During the last Prescription Drug Takeback Day, Kentucky disposed of 15,575 pounds of prescription drugs. The Governor encouraged Kentuckians to participate this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time. Visit dea.gov/takebackday to find a disposal location near you.

“For four straight years, we’ve decreased overdose deaths in Kentucky, and we’ve done this together,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is another chance for every Kentuckian to join us and help reduce overdoses in our commonwealth. Properly disposing of prescription drugs keeps them from falling into the hands of vulnerable Kentuckians, like someone struggling with addiction or a child. Fighting addiction is a team effort, and this Saturday is a way for every Kentuckian to get involved.”

First Responders Day and Public Works First Responders Day
Gov. Beshear recognized Oct. 28 as First Responders Day and Public Works First Responders Day in the commonwealth. The Governor was joined by leaders with the American Public Works Association.

“We’ve had more than our fair share of disasters, but we also have some of the best emergency responders in the nation. They’ve been there time and time again for our people,” said Gov. Beshear. “A group of first responders that doesn’t always get the spotlight is our public works employees. These are the folks clearing roadways for EMS, repairing crucial water and power connections and so much more. They help communities return to normal after an emergency. Let’s remember to thank them for their commitment to Kentucky.”

Award From Center for Digital Government
The Governor announced that Team Kentucky and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) were ranked first place by the Center for Digital Government for exemplary work in Public Safety, Emergency Management, Criminal Justice and Corrections. The award recognizes KSP’s efforts to increase officer and public safety, as well as transparency for the families they serve.

KSP has upgraded its Digital Evidence Management System and Computer-Aided Dispatch system, making it easier to manage evidence and keep it secure, as well as helping law enforcement agencies coordinate more efficiently. Since 2025, KSP has rolled out new technology at all 16 posts, which provides more accurate location information and improves situational awareness during emergencies. The agency is also upgrading its radio systems to expand coverage and increase back-up connections, helping first responders have reliable communication, especially in remote and rural areas.

“Our law enforcement officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect our families. That’s why we’re doing everything possible to protect them and to ensure Kentuckians have the transparency they deserve,” said Gov. Beshear. “Thank you to our sworn officers and civilian employees at KSP for your dedication and sacrifice, and congratulations on winning this award.”

Team Kentucky All-Star
The Governor named Kentucky chef Sara Bradley this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star. On Wednesday, Bradley won “Bobby’s Triple Threat” on the Food Network. She also is the first ever Chopped Legend and is a James Beard Award finalist.

“While Sara has grown into a cooking icon, she has never forgotten her roots. She’s the founding member of Cartel BBQ Team, which raises funds for the restoration of historic buildings and other nonprofit organizations across Western Kentucky. And when Sara became the first Chopped Legend, she was awarded $25,000 for herself and for a charity of her choice. She donated to the Maiden Alley Cinema in Paducah,” said Gov. Beshear. “Sara, it’s always so fun rooting for you. You make all of Kentucky proud.”
 

Law enforcement officials are asking for the public’s help to locate a woman wanted in connection with a recent assault investigation.

The Adair County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday that an active arrest warrant has been issued for Ruby Taylor, who also goes by the alias “Leeanna.” Taylor is wanted for second-degree assault following an incident that took place in Adair County on Tuesday, Oct. 20.

Authorities strongly advise the public not to approach or attempt to apprehend Taylor if spotted. Instead, anyone with information regarding her whereabouts is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.

How to Report Tips

Adair County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line: 270-385-1155

Adair County 911 Dispatch Center: 911 or 270-384-6464

Deputies emphasize that all information can be reported directly to dispatch so law enforcement officers can handle the situation safely.

On Thursday, October 15, 2026 at approximately 12:28pmCT, officers with the Columbia Police Department were dispatched to assist Kentucky Probation and Parole at a local residence.

Patricia D. Smothers, 68, of Columbia, KY was arrested without incident and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1st Degree, 2nd Offense (Methamphetamine) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Columbia Police Officer Elliot Smith was the arresting officer and was assisted by Columbia Police Lieutenant Justin Cross.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Story from Russell County Online

JAMESTOWN, KY — Following weeks of local rumors, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has confirmed plans to implement a $5 daily vehicle pass at the Kendall Recreation Area starting next spring.

Jonathan Friedman, Resource Manager for Lake Cumberland and Laurel River Lake with USACE, confirmed the upcoming daily fee. User fees collected by the Corps typically support routine maintenance, trash collection, and facility upkeep at high-use public recreation areas.

Situated along the Cumberland River tailwaters directly below Wolf Creek Dam, Kendall Recreation Area provides public access to playgrounds, picnic shelters, and popular trout fishing locations. The Corps previously introduced a $5 boat launching fee at the Kendall ramp, though enforcement proved challenging without automated collection points or continuous staffing.  

Operational Questions Remain

While the daily fee has been confirmed, key operational details remain unannounced.

Collection Infrastructure: USACE has not yet revealed where payment kiosks or entry gates will be placed.

Impact on Local Business: Community members have raised questions regarding how gate access or potential parking fees might affect Big Daddy’s, a local restaurant operating inside the park on a multi-year lease.

Hatchery Access: It remains unclear whether visitors traveling solely to the nearby Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery and visitor center will be required to pass through the fee area.

Community Feedback and Representative Contact Info

Federal water-access fees and regulations surrounding Lake Cumberland have faced legislative resistance in the past, including previous efforts by U.S. Senator Rand Paul to limit federal water-access fees along the tailwaters directly below Wolf Creek Dam.

Residents and visitors wishing to share feedback regarding the new day pass fee can reach out directly to elected officials and Corps representatives:

• U.S. Senator Rand Paul: (202) 224-4343
• U.S. Representative James Comer (KY-01): (202) 225-3115
• USACE Nashville District Headquarters (Public Affairs): (615) 736-7161

https://www.facebook.com/share/19XpN1rLhV/

On Saturday, October 10, 2026 the Adair County Sheriff's Office responded to Liberty Road (Hwy 206) to a 1-vehicle injury accident.

Superintendent Michael Ford has details on Monday's meeting...  

GREENSBURG, KY (October 19, 2026) – Troopers with Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 have arrested a Green County man in an ongoing child sexual abuse material investigation in Green County. 

The investigation began on Monday, October 5, 2026 when KSP Trooper Sean Sweat received a report that Joseph Matthews, 42, of Greensburg, allegedly had child sexual abuse material in his possession. As a result of the investigation, Trooper Sweat arrested Mr. Matthews, charging him with Procuring or Promoting the Use of a Minor by Electronic Means (9 counts), Unlawful Transaction with a Minor 1st Degree - Illegal Sex Act - Victim Under 18 (9 counts), and Using a Minor to Distribute Obscene Matter 1st Degree (9 Counts).

Mr. Matthews was lodged in the Taylor County Detention Center and is being held on a $50,000 cash bond.  Trooper Sweat is continuing the investigation.  Additional charges against Mr. Matthews are potentially forthcoming upon presentation to the Grand Jury.

The Columbia–Adair County Fire Department was dispatched at 1:41 PM Sunday afternoon to 2997 Glensfork Road on a report of a structure fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions coming from both the front and rear of the structure. Crews initiated an aggressive fire attack and were able to bring the fire under control, containing it to the structure.

Firefighters then conducted an extensive overhaul to extinguish any remaining hot spots and ensure the fire was completely extinguished.

The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. No injuries were reported. A total of 10 firefighters responded and remained on scene for approximately 3 hours.

Mutual Aid: Breeding Fire Department

Agencies Assisting: Adair County E911 Center, Adair County Ambulance Service, Adair County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor County RECC, and the Kentucky Red Cross

Columbia Mayor Pamela Hoots shares details of the special called meeting...

The following Press Release is from the Jamestown Police Department...

LOUISVILLE, KY – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, in collaboration with more than 4,300 law enforcement partners, will host the 31^st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More than 4,400 collection sites will be set up across the country to dispose of unneeded, expired, and unused prescription medications. This is a simple step that prevents diversion, reduces the risk of accidental poisonings, and helps protect communities.

“Since 2010, Take Back Day has helped Americans remove more than twenty million pounds of unneeded medications from their homes,” said DEA Administrator Terry Cole. “By participating in Take Back Day, you are preventing potentially addictive medications from falling into the wrong hands – a small step that can save lives. I am grateful to the thousands of law enforcement and community partners who make these events possible, and I urge everyone to take a few minutes on Saturday, October 24, to clean out your medicine cabinets.”

“I’m encouraging everyone to take just a few minutes to gather any medications they no longer need,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Field Division.  “By dropping off your unneeded or expired medications at an authorized collection site, you’re making our community safer by keeping those drugs out of the hands of anyone who might otherwise abuse them.”

What will be collected

1. Tablets, capsules, patches, and other forms of prescription medications
2. Liquid medications securely sealed in their original containers

What won’t be collected

1. Syringes, sharps, and illicit drugs

Why it matters

2. Prescription opioids, such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, and morphine, are among the most frequently misused prescription pain medications, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 
3. Removing unneeded medications from the home reduces the risk of misuse or accidental ingestion. 

Visit www.DEATakeBack.com to find a registered Take Back location near you. If you are unable to participate in this fall’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, there are more than 15,300 pharmacies, hospitals, and businesses that offer safe medication disposal year-round. In addition, many police departments also provide permanent drop boxes to ensure Every Day is Take Back Day.

Local industrial workers got some hands-on experience in emergency preparedness this week thanks to a visit from local first responders.

On Friday, October 16, the Russell Springs Volunteer Fire Department (RSVFD) visited Bruss North America to conduct a comprehensive fire safety and hands-on fire extinguisher training program for the company's workforce.

During the interactive session, Bruss employees learned vital fire safety protocols and the principles of proper fire extinguisher operation. Participants were able to put their new skills directly to the test by actively extinguishing a controlled, simulated fire under the supervision of local firefighters.

Representatives from the RSVFD commended the Bruss North America team for their active participation and enthusiasm throughout the event, noting that the workers were highly engaged and eager to learn essential safety techniques.

"At RSVFD, we believe fire prevention and education are just as important as responding to emergencies," the department shared following the event. "We’re always proud to work with our local businesses to help keep our community safe!"

The fire department extended its sincere thanks to the management and staff at Bruss North America for hosting the crew and prioritizing workplace safety through community-focused training initiatives.

Drivers who regularly travel along KY 55 through Adair County will soon have a voice in shaping future roadway improvements.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has launched a comprehensive transportation planning study aimed at evaluating and enhancing safety, mobility, and access along KY 55. The study corridor stretches from the Columbia Bypass northward to the Taylor County line.

As part of the planning process, KYTC is placing a strong emphasis on community involvement and is asking motorists, residents, and local stakeholders to share their experiences and perspectives.

“We want to hear from you,” KYTC officials stated in an announcement regarding the project. The agency is urging anyone who uses the route—or simply has an interest in the area's transportation future—to participate. Participation is open to all members of the public, regardless of whether they live directly adjacent to the corridor.

Feedback gathered through the initiative will help transportation planners identify key problem areas, evaluate current traffic conditions, and develop potential long-term solutions for the heavily traveled route.

To learn more about the project and complete the public survey, visit the official project website at https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/d0e8d77a6fa24628ba1fe8747e4575b3.

By: Duane Bonifer

COLUMBIA, KY (10/16/2026) Two classes of Lindsey Wilson University students learned about drug enforcement on Thursday, Oct. 15, from one of the Columbia Police Department's most tireless and successful crusaders against illegal narcotics.

Students in counseling professor Mahalia Cain's "Substance Abuse" and "Abnormal Psychology" classes watched Cally, an 8-year-old blonde Labrador Retriever of the Columbia Police Department's K9 unit, demonstrate how she ferrets out drugs in various settings and situations.

No matter the location or where contraband was hidden during a demonstration in a parking lot behind the university's Biggers Sports Center, Cally correctly informed her handler, Sgt. Trevor Foster, where narcotics had been placed. He rewarded her each time by allowing her to play with a nearly indestructible ball for a few minutes before Cally seemed to blithely move on to the next challenge.

Cally has been trained to locate cocaine, marajuana and methamphetamine. Foster said that lately methamphetamine has been the most common drug Cally has helped uncover. But he noted that the deadly fentanyl "is making a comeback" in the region. He aims to keep Cally away from fentanyl because even a trace of the synthetic opioid drug can be lethal to humans and dogs.

"Cally is a single-purpose dog, trained for article search," said Foster.

Cally also assists law enforcement agencies in nearby Russell and Taylor counties, as well as the Kentucky State Police. She's also aided law enforcement agencies in Tennessee.

Among Cally's bigger busts include uncovering 600 marjuana plants in a UPS building in Tennessee, and scoring 1.61 pounds of methamphetamine that Foster said "looked like a snowman" and would have been worth hundreds of thousands of dollars on the street.

A mild-mannered canine

Despite her serious work, Cally has all the makings of a mild-mannered domesticated dog.

"She sheds, she'll lick you," said Foster. "The only way Cally will get aggressive is to lick you too much."

Raised in Texas, Cally joined the Columbia Police Department in 2020 when she was 2 years old and Foster was in his second year on the force. Foster said Cally, who lives with his family, has about another year of service before she will retire to be "a full-time couch dog."

Foster trained with Cally alongside fellow 2019 police academy graduate the late Hayden Phillips and his K9 unit, Jolly, a Belgian Malinois. (Two other of Foster's academy classmates, Caleb Conley and Brandon Shirley, have been killed, a grim reminder of the potential perils of their profession's daily duties.)

Foster has also taken Cally to the Adair County E911 Center. Its director, Derrick Murphy, told the Lindsey Wilson students that Cally is "good for therapy."

"She sheds a lot and drinks a lot of water, and she's a loving dog," said Murphy.

Emphasis on experiential learning

Cain said that the visit by Foster and Cally was an example of how she stresses experiential learning in her classes as a way to prepare students for real-world situations they will face in their careers.

"Anybody can be book smart, but you have to know how to apply the skills to what you do," she said.

And Cain said the presence of Foster and Cally on campus was also an opportunity for students to learn more about the work of local law enforcement agencies.

"It's a great partnership with our law enforcement partners because it creates safe opportunities for them to interact with our students," said Cain.

Lindsey Wilson student Anthony Davis '27 said he was impressed with Cally's abilities.

"It was so easy for a dog like her to find drugs," said Davis, a sport performance major from Stephens City, Virginia.

In addition to learning from Foster's talk that "meth is really expensive," Isabella Trotter '28 was another Lindsey Wilson student impressed with the dexterity and skill of his canine partner.

"She can really get to the drugs fast," said Trotter, a human services and counseling major from Columbia.

Fellow student Peyton Walkup '28 said she was equally fascinated with Cally's dogged diligence on the job, but she was even more amazed at how well the Labrador Retriever had been trained.

"They have such a strong sense of smell that is really impressive, but I'm surprised they can train them that well," said Walkup, a human services and counseling major from Columbia. "It took me two years just to get my dog to sit down."

Arby’s new location in Columbia, KY is proceeding with renovation and development plans.

The company has started a Facebook Page, which is specific to the Columbia location. They plan on using this page to update the community on the progression of the facility. They also plan on having a hiring event for this site in the next few weeks. The City of Columbia will be announcing the time and location of the hiring event in the near future.

Columbia Mayor Pam Hoots tells WAVE News: “We are excited about Arby’s being in our community and we are looking forward to their grand opening!”

There will be a Special Called Meeting of the Columbia City Council on Monday, October 19, 2026 at 12:30 P.M. at City Hall.

AGENDA

ROLL CALL
 

1^ST ITEM:  MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 5, 2026 REGULAR CALLED MEETING.

2^ND ITEM:  APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE KY 61 GAS LINE REPLACEMENT.

3^RD ITEM:  APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR PHASE II ARCHAEOLOGICAL TESTING FOR KY 61 GAS LINE REPLACEMENT.

4^TH ITEM:  APPROVAL OF EXTENSION OF CURRENT GAS CONTRACT WITH CONSTELLATION.

MOTION TO ADJOURN 

There is a boil water advisory in Russell Springs for Patty Ridge Road starting at Highway 80 to 1328 Patty Ridge Rd. Until further notice, boil all water used for drinking and cooking purposes, bringing the water to a rolling boil for 3 minutes. The advisory was issued on Friday due to a water main being hit.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 16, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that medical cannabis is now available across all 11 of Kentucky’s dispensary licensing regions following the opening of Sunnyside Dispensary in Floyd County. The dispensary officially opened its doors on Monday, Oct. 12, following approval from Team Kentucky’s Office of Medical Cannabis on Friday, Oct. 9, and serves as the first dispensary in the Mountain Region.

“Kentuckians suffering from PTSD, cancer, terminal illnesses, sickle cell anemia and more deserve a safe, non-addictive option for relief, and medical cannabis provides that,” said Gov. Beshear. “With this week’s opening of Sunnyside Dispensary, we now have dispensaries open in all 11 licensing regions throughout the commonwealth. Every step of this process has put patients first, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made.”

Sunnyside Dispensary is located at 81 Glynview Plaza, Suite 147, in Prestonsburg. With this opening, Kentucky now has 26 operating dispensary facilities.

For more information on qualifying conditions or to find a participating provider and begin the application process, visit KyMedCan.Ky.gov.

Medical Cannabis Program
On June 14, 2022, Gov. Beshear issued an executive order creating the Team Kentucky Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee, which hosted multiple town hall forums to hear from Kentuckians on medical cannabis. The findings were released to the public in August 2022 along with a report summarizing that Kentuckians overwhelmingly supported medical cannabis.

Following the actions of the Advisory Committee, on March 31, 2023, Gov. Beshear signed Senate Bill 47, legalizing medical cannabis for Kentuckians beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

On April 17, 2024, Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 829 into law, which moved up the timeline for medical cannabis licensing in Kentucky by six months. The Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis began accepting applications from prospective businesses on July 1, 2024.

To date, Kentucky has 46 medical cannabis businesses up and running and has registered over 500 medical cannabis practitioners. More than 28,000 Kentuckians have been approved for medical cannabis cards.

On June 2, 2026, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order directing Team Kentucky’s Office of Medical Cannabis to issue an emergency regulation further clarifying qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Kentucky law. With the clarification, 15 additional conditions are recognized, including sickle cell anemia, ALS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s, terminal illness and more.

Under KRS Chapter 218B, the Office of Medical Cannabis is responsible for implementing and administering the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program. The Office oversees licensed businesses throughout the opening process and ongoing operations, with a focus on patient access, product safety and regulatory compliance.

For more on Kentucky’s Medical Cannabis Program, visit kymedcan.ky.gov.