By Melissa Patrick
Kentucky Health News
Kentucky’s 24th licensed medical marijuana dispensary, Blue Sage Dispensary in Lebanon, launched Aug. 28, marking the halfway point of the state becoming fully operational when it comes to dispensaries.
“Reaching the halfway point is a watershed moment for Kentucky’s medical cannabis program,” Rachel Roberts, executive director of the Kentucky Cannabis Industry Alliance, said in a news release. “With Blue Sage opening in Lebanon and Sunnyside Prestonsburg opening in October, patients across all 11 (Office of Medical Cannabis) regions will have access to licensed dispensaries. We’re on track to complete the retail network as authorized by the commonwealth.”
Gov. Andy Beshear also announced the opening of Holler Cannabis Company, a Tier 1 cultivator, at his weekly news conference.
To date, 11 cultivators, two safety compliance facilities, five processors and 24 dispensaries are approved to operate in the commonwealth. More than 25,000 Kentuckians have been approved for medical cannabis cards, and more than 490 practitioners are registered to issue certifications.
“Those numbers will continue to grow,” Beshear said. “We’ve hit milestone after milestone, and access continues to expand. And more Kentuckians won’t have to turn to addictive opioids, will be able to deal with chronic conditions, will get the relief they deserve, will be able to address the PTSD that they may have gotten while serving our country.”
Click here to find a list of the dispensaries and here to learn more about the program.
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Kentucky Health News is an independent news service of the Institute for Rural Journalism, based in the School of Journalism and Media at the University of Kentucky, with support from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky.
