Kentucky Medical Marijuana Cultivators

As of January, Kentucky officially launched its medical marijuana program, marking a major shift for patients across the Commonwealth. The state is now accepting patients with qualifying medical conditions, and cultivators are laying the groundwork for what will soon be a fully operational, in-state supply chain.

Who Got Licensed?

In October 2024, the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis conducted a license lottery to determine which entities would be allowed to grow and process medical marijuana. The lottery took place at the Kentucky Lottery Corp. in Louisville, where 26 marijuana business licenses were awarded:

• 10 Tier I cultivator licenses

• 4 Tier II cultivator licenses

• 2 Tier III cultivator licenses

• 10 processor licenses

Licensees were given 15 days to pay their licensing fees in order to begin operations. This marks the first wave of cultivation activity designed to supply Kentucky-grown marijuana directly to licensed dispensaries across the state once they open.

The state made clear that all marijuana cultivated, processed, and sold in Kentucky’s medical program must originate in Kentucky, keeping the supply chain local and regulated for quality and safety.

Yes, the Program has Officially Launched in Kentucky

While you may still hear officials or articles refer to Kentucky's program as “upcoming,” that is no longer accurate. The program launched in January, and patients are currently being seen at in person facilities. Once approved by a qualified physician, patients can submit their documentation to the state and receive their Kentucky medical marijuana card.

You must be seen in person, telehealth is not currently permitted for Kentucky marijuana evaluations. If you’re ready to get started, we have started seeing patients! You are able to schedule an appointment through our website under the “Schedule Now” tab. Our website also includes addresses for our Louisville and Lexington offices, a full list of qualifying conditions, and ongoing updates as the program evolves.

Who Can Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Kentucky?

To qualify, patients must have a state-approved medical condition such as:

• Cancer

• Chronic pain

• Epilepsy

• Multiple sclerosis

• Chronic nausea

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

This list aligns with national standards but was developed specifically for Kentuckians seeking alternative, plant-based relief. If you have one of these conditions, you can apply for your medical marijuana card today.

Although dispensaries are not open yet, licensed cultivators and processors are preparing for full operation. In the meantime, cardholders are legally allowed to possess up to eight ounces of marijuana once dispensaries begin sales. This possession limit makes Kentucky one of the more patient-friendly medical marijuana states in terms of legal quantity.

Why You Should Get a Medical Marijuana Card Now

Even though dispensaries are not yet open, now is the time to act. Getting your Kentucky medical marijuana card ensures you’ll be among the first wave of patients legally allowed to purchase marijuana when sales begin. Here’s why that matters:

• Skip the Waitlist: Once dispensaries open, demand will surge. Having your card now puts you ahead of the curve.

• Protect Yourself Legally: Patients with a valid card are allowed to possess up to 8 ounces under state law.

• Stay Informed: Cardholders receive updates and early access to program changes, dispensary openings, and product availability.

• Doctor-Guided Relief: A medical card connects you with professionals who understand marijuana dosing, strain selection, and patient care.

Don't wait until dispensaries open to start the process. You can schedule your in-person appointment and submit your recommendation to the state right away.

What’s Next for Kentucky’s Medical Marijuana Industry?

The next phase of Kentucky’s marijuana rollout will involve the licensing of dispensaries. The state has not yet announced when or how the dispensary lottery will be conducted, but it is expected soon. Once completed, these dispensaries will become the authorized retail locations where cardholders can purchase medical marijuana.

Behind the scenes, cultivators and processors are preparing their facilities, establishing grow operations, and working with labs to ensure their products meet the state’s rigorous testing standards. Notably, KCA Labs in Nicholasville became the first licensed medical marijuana testing lab in Kentucky, with two more labs following shortly thereafter.

Kentucky’s marijuana program has drawn enormous interest from entrepreneurs and patients alike. In total:

• 4,998 business applications were submitted to the state

• 918 of those were for cultivator/processor licenses

• Only 26 were chosen in the first lottery round

This shows just how competitive the industry is and how fast it’s growing. For patients, that means access to a professionally regulated market with high-quality, Kentucky-grown marijuana products on the horizon.

Kentucky’s Marijuana Future Is Now

The era of medical marijuana in Kentucky is no longer “coming soon”, it’s here. The state has begun accepting patients, issued grower and processor licenses, and is actively building a safe, regulated, and accessible system for those in need.

If you’re dealing with a qualifying condition, don’t wait. Book your in-person appointment, get certified, and secure your Kentucky medical marijuana card today. Dispensaries are expected to open soon, and those who are ready will be the first to benefit.

For the latest updates, including new dispensary information and qualifying condition guidance, visit our website. It’s regularly updated with the most current facts as Kentucky’s marijuana program continues to grow.

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!