Half of Kentucky’s licensed medical cannabis dispensaries now open

Kentucky’s medical cannabis industry has reached a new milestone, with half of the state’s licensed dispensaries now open and more than 24,000 active cardholders. 

As of Aug. 14, the state has registered 24,332 active medical cannabis cardholders, a 12,032-patient increase from July 2025, representing 109.9% year-over-year growth. Building on July’s $1.87 million in sales, Kentucky’s market is tracking toward $2 million in August as four new dispensaries open this month, further expanding patient access and economic opportunity across the commonwealth. 

“Reaching the halfway point is a watershed moment for Kentucky’s medical cannabis program,” said Executive Director of the Kentucky Cannabis Industry Alliance Rachel Roberts. “With Blue Sage opening in Lebanon and Sunnyside Prestonsburg opening in October, patients across all 11 Office Medical Cannabis regions will have access to licensed dispensaries. We’re on track to complete the retail network as authorized by the commonwealth.”

Kentucky’s medical cannabis program is generating substantial employment across the supply chain. As of July, the licensed cannabis industry has created 407 jobs across cultivators, processors, dispensaries and testing facilities, with that number poised to grow as new licensees begin operations and existing businesses expand capacity.

This economic growth extends across multiple business categories:

• 11 cultivators (of 16 licensed)
• Five processors (of 10 licensed)
• 24 dispensaries (of 48 licensed) — 50% operational capacity
• Two testing facilities

Additionally, 487 registered medical cannabis practitioners are providing patient consultations and certifications, representing a robust professional infrastructure supporting the program’s mission to connect qualifying Kentuckians with safe, regulated cannabis medicine.

Patients can now purchase cannabis from 14 Kentucky-grown brands, including Dark Horse Cannabis, Vivid, Buoyant Bob, blügrass, The Best State, Holler, Moonbow, Toro, Farmtucky, Alchemy, Green Shine, High Supply, Cresco, and Bluegrass Roots, with additional brands and products launching soon. Product offerings include flower, concentrates, edibles (including gummies), and other formulations.

All 24 dispensaries currently open in Kentucky include: