Half of Kentucky’s Licensed Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Have Opened

Kentucky’s medical cannabis program has reached a significant milestone, with half of its licensed dispensaries now open for business. Governor Andy Beshear’s office reported more than 25,000 registered medical cannabis cardholders statewide, more than double the number from a year ago. The state generated $1.87 million in medical cannabis sales in July and is on track to reach $2 million in August.

Kentucky’s medical cannabis program has passed a significant milestone, with half of the state’s licensed dispensaries now open for business, according to Governor Andy Beshear’s office. The announcement marks a key step in the rollout of the commonwealth’s regulated medical cannabis market.

The governor’s office also reported that more than 25,000 medical cannabis cardholders are now registered in Kentucky, more than double the number from a year ago. The state generated $1.87 million in medical cannabis sales in July and is on track to reach $2 million in August.

Rachel Roberts, Executive Director of the Kentucky Cannabis Industry Alliance, described the moment as a watershed for the program. She noted that with Blue Sage opening in Lebanon and Sunnyside Prestonsburg opening in October, patients across all 11 Office Medical Cannabis regions will have access to licensed dispensaries.

Kentucky currently has 11 medical cannabis cultivators, five processors, 24 dispensaries, and two testing facilities open for business. An additional five cultivators, five processors, and 24 dispensaries are licensed but have not yet opened.

In June, Governor Beshear rescinded a 2022 order that had permitted registered patients to possess out-of-state cannabis products. The governor said the protection is no longer necessary as the state’s own retail network continues to expand.