The governor of Kentucky has announced a new online directory that lets people see where medical cannabis dispensaries will be opening near them—and he signed an executive order to waive renewal fees for patients who get their cards this year so that they don’t get charged again before retailers open.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) shared a series of developments as the state prepares for the rollout of its medical cannabis program that he signed into law in 2023.
“Since taking office, we’ve been committed to providing access to health care and creating safe communities for all Kentuckians,” he said. “One of our priorities was securing medical cannabis for Kentuckians suffering from cancer, from PTSD, from chronic pain and other conditions.”
Beshear emphasized that the state has been working to deliver access to patients “at the earliest possible date,” and that involved expediting the licensing process. The governor in January also ceremonially awarded the commonwealth’s first medical marijuana cards.
A majority of approved licensees have been inspected and approved, the governor said, adding that “there’s going to be a dispensary point for all patients.” And to that end, the state’s Office of Medical Cannabis has created an interactive map for patients to find their nearest dispensary
“None of these dispensaries are open yet, but you can go ahead and see where the dispensaries will be located so that you can make plans, when they’re open, how you’re going to secure your medical cannabis,” the governor said.
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