Kentucky Gov. Says He Expects Medical Cannabis Dispensaries to Open ‘Before the End of the Year’  

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) last week indicated he expects medical
cannabis dispensaries to be open in the state “before the end of the
year.” During the September 4 Team Kentucky Update, Beshear said that some
dispensaries still require inspections but that cultivation and processing
operations are underway.

“I think everybody is working as hard and as fast as they can, but they’re
wanting to make sure they do it right as well.” — Beshear, 9/4/25 Team
Kentucky Update

In late July, the governor announced the approval of the commonwealth’s
first dispensary – The Post Dispensary in Beaver Dam – and at the time said
that he expected operations would commence in the fall. Cultivators
licensed by the state began operations in July.

According to state data, more than 16,000 patients have been certified to
use medical cannabis in Kentucky, and more than 11,500 patients have been
issued their medical cannabis ID cards. The state’s dispensary map shows
that more than 30 dispensaries have been approved throughout the state.

Beshear signed the medical cannabis law in 2023, and it took effect in
2025. In May, he issued an executive order waiving the $25 renewal
application fee for the 2026 calendar year for anyone who received a
medical cannabis card during 2025.