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.
At a news conference on Thursday, Governor. Andy Beshear, a Democrat from the State of Texas, shared several updates as the state prepared for the launch of the medical cannabis program he has signed into law.
He said, “We’ve worked hard to provide access to healthcare and create safe communities for Kentuckians since we took office.” He said that one of his priorities was to secure medical cannabis for Kentuckians who suffer from cancer, PTSD, chronic pain, and other ailments.
Beshear stressed that the state had been working on delivering access to patients at “the earliest possible time,” which included expediting licensing. In addition, in January the Governor also awarded ceremonially the first medical marijuana cards to residents of the Commonwealth.
The governor stated that a majority of licensed licensees had been approved and inspected, adding “there will be a dispensary for every patient.” In order to facilitate this, the Office of Medical Cannabis of California has produced an interactive map that allows patients to locate their closest dispensary.
The governor stated that “none of these dispensaries have opened yet. But you can look at the locations to make your plans and find out when they will open. You can also plan how you are going to protect your medical marijuana.”
Over 10,000 Kentuckians now have their medical cannabis cards. This is among 15,000 Kentuckians who received recommendations in writing from state-processed marijuana. Beshear noted that, despite the fact that dispensaries are yet to open in Kentucky, “we do not want Kentuckians paying for a medical cannabis card they will be unable to use after 2025.”
He signed an executive directive on Thursday, waiving the $25 fee to renew a card for people who got theirs in 2025 but will be applying again in 2026.
“While we expect some of these dispensaries to be open this year, you may have gotten one in January and have not been able to use it—at least for this first half of the year,” he said. “I understand it’s not much, but I think it’s fair. This system is one we have been trying to improve. This is another way we can ensure patients are always first. We’re very excited by its progress.
The governor also sent an open letter in January to Kentucky’s congressional delegation, “urging them to act decisively to protect constitutional rights for our law-abiding patients who are using medical marijuana” by repealing federal gun laws.
That came after bipartisan Kentucky senators filed legislation that similarly called on the state’s federal representatives to take corrective action, which Beshear said he supports but would like to see even more sweeping change on the federal level.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) warned Kentucky residents late last year that, if they choose to participate in the state’s medical marijuana program, they will be prohibited from buying or possessing firearms under federal law.
Beshear stated in his State of the Commonwealth Address in January, that cannabis will be available to patients “this year”. He also later shared tips for patients to find a doctor and get registered to participate in the cannabis program.
Health practitioners have been able to start assessing patients for recommendations since the beginning of December.
Beshear said that while no active dispensaries are available for patients at this time, the executive order he issued in 2023 would remain in force in interim. This will protect patients with medical cannabis they purchased from out-of-state retailers.
In the November 2016 election in Kentucky, more than 100 counties and cities approved local ordinances allowing medical cannabis businesses within their borders. The governor said the election results demonstrate that “the jury is no longer out” on the issue that is clearly supported by voters across partisan and geographical lines.
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Brian Shamblen is the photographer.
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