KENTUCKY, USA — There are a handful of new Kentucky laws that take effect at the start of the new year.
Lawmakers were busy during the General Assembly’s 2024 legislative session with more than 200 bills becoming law.
Most of the bills passed by the Republican-dominated legislature were signed by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear. Several bills became law without the governor’s signature or were enacted over Beshear’s veto.
Many of Kentucky's new laws went into effect over the summer, while a few laws that were signed years ago will go into effect in 2025.
New Kentucky laws that take effect on Jan. 1, 2025
Medical marijuana
It won’t be long before some Kentuckians can possess medical cannabis to treat certain chronic illnesses.
On Jan. 1, 2025, licensed dispensaries will be able to start selling medical cannabis.
However, since Kentucky’s medical cannabis program requires all their product must be grown in the state, it’s unlikely that it will be available at the start of the year.
Qualified patients will also be able to apply for a medical cannabis card on Jan. 1.
To be eligible, you will need to receive a written certification from an authorized doctor.
Dozens of cannabis business have already been licensed to begin growing and processing medical marijuana. See an interactive map of where businesses plan to operate.
Driver’s license renewal change
Although House Bill 439 was signed into law in 2021, it will be fully implemented on Jan. 1, 2025.
The law now requires anyone looking to renew their Kentucky driver’s license to first complete a vision test.
Vision tests can be completed at any Driver Licensing Regional Offices in the state when renewing your license. You can also submit a form showing that you’ve completed a vision test in the last year, and it must be signed by your doctor.
Vape products
House Bill 11 looks to curb the use of vaping among youth in Kentucky.
Starting Jan. 1, 2025, retailers will only be able to sell vape products that have received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or have a “safe harbor certification.”
The FDA has only approved 23 vape product applications out of more than a million.
Back in April, four retailers filed a lawsuit against the state arguing HB11 would make most of their stock illegal and put them out of business.
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