Kentucky’s medical marijuana program officially launched in January 2025, allowing patients with qualifying conditions to legally obtain a medical marijuana card. While the program is up and running, medical marijuana dispensaries have not yet opened. Many patients are eager to know when they will be able to purchase marijuana legally within the state.
Although dispensaries are still in development, patients can now be evaluated by our physicians and receive their medical marijuana card. This ensures that as soon as dispensaries open, they will be ready to purchase legally and take advantage of the benefits medical marijuana offers.
Where Things Stand
While dispensaries are not open yet, patients can now be evaluated and approved for a medical marijuana card at in-person appointments at our Louisville and Lexington offices. After the doctor confirms that the patient has a qualifying condition, the patient submits their recommendation to the state to receive their official medical marijuana card.
To obtain a medical marijuana card, patients must be diagnosed with one of the state-approved qualifying conditions. These include:
Cancer
Chronic pain
Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Multiple sclerosis
Crohn’s disease
Severe arthritis
Parkinson’s disease
Terminal illnesses
If you have one of these conditions, you can schedule an in-person appointment in Louisville or Lexington to start the process of obtaining your medical marijuana card.
Once dispensaries open, patients will be allowed to possess up to 8 ounces of marijuana at a time. While this is a generous limit compared to some other states, it is important to remember that medical marijuana must be purchased from licensed Kentucky dispensaries once they begin operations.
When Will Kentucky Dispensaries Open?
Although Kentucky’s medical marijuana law went into effect in January 2025, dispensaries have not yet opened because cultivation and production operations are still being set up. Under state law, all marijuana sold in Kentucky must be grown and processed within the state, meaning businesses must establish cultivation sites and supply chains before dispensaries can stock their shelves.
Several dispensaries have already secured locations in cities like Alexandria and Erlanger, but they are waiting on cultivators to grow and harvest their first crops. Some growers estimate that the first batches of medical marijuana may be ready by April 2025, which means dispensaries could begin opening later this year.
Kentucky has approved licenses for 48 dispensaries across the state. While these locations are still preparing to open, the uncapped license structure allows the state to issue additional licenses as the program expands.
Projected Medical Marijuana Prices in Kentucky
Since Kentucky’s marijuana market is brand new, prices will likely start higher than in more established states. Industry experts predict that:
An eighth (3.5 grams) of marijuana may cost $100 to $120 at first, compared to the national average of $20 to $25.
Wholesale flower prices are expected to be around $6,000 per pound, much higher than the $800 per pound seen in states like Oregon and Colorado.
Over time, as more cultivation operations start producing marijuana, prices are expected to drop.
Why Patients Should Get a Medical Marijuana Card Now
Even though dispensaries are not open yet, now is the time to get a medical marijuana card. Having a card ensures you’ll be ready to purchase legally once dispensaries begin operations.
When Will Dispensaries Finally Open?
While Kentucky’s medical marijuana program is active, dispensaries are still preparing to open. Current projections suggest that some dispensaries could begin operating by mid-to-late 2025, once licensed growers have their first harvests ready for sale.
In the meantime, patients can take the first step by obtaining a medical marijuana card so they are ready to legally purchase as soon as dispensaries open their doors. Stay updated with our website for the latest information on dispensary openings, locations, and special offers for medical marijuana patients in Kentucky.
Get Access to Medical Marijuana in Kentucky
Medical marijuana is here, Kentucky, and we’re booking appointments now!
You can schedule your appointment to see our doctor at our Louisville or Lexington office. Schedule your appointment today to get your marijuana card and be the first to access dispensaries as soon as they open!
Don’t wait—secure your spot and start your journey toward relief. Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on the program and dispensaries!