Kentucky Nears Operational Start for Medical Cannabis Dispensaries

LOS ANGELES- Kentucky is approaching the launch of medical cannabis sales as state regulators complete final preparations for the opening of licensed dispensaries. Although the state’s medical cannabis law took effect on January 1, 2025, retail access remains unavailable. Governor Andy Beshear recently indicated that dispensaries could begin operations by late 2025, with regulators currently reviewing sites and issuing operating certificates.

The Office of Medical Cannabis has awarded 48 dispensary licences through a series of randomized drawings, selecting from more than 4,000 applications. Additional licences were previously issued for cultivation, processing, and product testing, establishing the framework for a vertically integrated supply chain. While the state has published a map of dispensary locations, none have opened to date. As part of the rollout, over 150 healthcare practitioners have been approved to certify eligible patients, and a public directory has been launched to streamline access. Market participants are closely watching the regulatory process as Kentucky moves toward a controlled and regionally balanced entry into medical cannabis sales.