Gov. Beshear Confirms Kentucky’s First Medical Cannabis Sales by the End of 2025

4 September 2025

Governor Andy Beshear says medical marijuana dispensaries are expected to open by the end of 2025, marking a long-awaited milestone for patients and businesses. Speaking during his weekly Team Kentucky briefing, Beshear said most dispensaries have secured locations and are preparing for inspections, though final approval depends on products being available for sale. Cultivation only began in July, meaning growers and processors are still bringing the state’s first medical cannabis inventory to market.

The governor acknowledged frustrations with the slow rollout since medical cannabis legalization was signed into law in 2023. He explained that the initial legislation sought to license and launch all aspects of the program simultaneously, a design that created bottlenecks. A subsequent legislative fix moved the licensing lottery forward by six months, but dispensaries remain dependent on cultivators and processors.

To ease the delay, Beshear signed executive orders waiving renewal fees for patient cards and extending protections for those who purchase cannabis legally in other states. He also announced an online directory of dispensary locations, and health practitioners began evaluating patients for recommendations last December.

Beyond state implementation, Beshear has been vocal on the national stage. He urged President Donald Trump and Kentucky’s congressional delegation to support rescheduling cannabis under federal law and to address the firearm ban that currently applies to medical cannabis patients. He has said rescheduling would expand research opportunities, reduce illicit sales, and improve patient safety.

With more than 100 cities and counties voting to allow medical cannabis businesses, Kentucky is poised for rapid market growth once dispensaries open. Patients could finally access medicine without crossing state lines, while local economies may benefit from new jobs and tax revenues.