Kentucky’s Medical Marijuana Dispensaries: When Can You Expect to Buy?
While medical marijuana is now legal in Kentucky, the wait for dispensaries to open is still several months away. Cultivators and dispensaries are working together to ensure a smooth transition and availability of products when the time comes.
Kentucky Alternative Care, a dispensary set to open in Louisville, is prioritizing education about medical marijuana and cannabis products. The dispensary aims to create a comfortable and upscale atmosphere, with a focus on wellness and reducing reliance on opioids and other pharmaceuticals.
The delay in dispensary openings is attributed to cultivators needing to build out their infrastructure to grow and produce products. For example, Synapse Remedies LLC, a Louisville-based cultivator, is currently building out its 16,000-square-foot facility and expects to be operational by September. The facility will employ around 25 people and produce 100-150 pounds of raw plant material per month.
Experts predict that it may take another six months or longer for dispensaries to open, as cultivators need to ensure they have a steady supply of product before opening their doors. The Office of Medical Cannabis is working closely with licensees to help them get up and operational as soon as possible.
Once dispensaries do open, patients can expect to see a variety of products, including concentrates, tinctures, vapes, and edibles. However, the state’s regulations set a limit on the amount of canopy space available for cultivation, which may lead to a shortage of products in the future.
In the meantime, patients can continue to sign up for medical marijuana cards and await the opening of dispensaries. With the focus on education and wellness, Kentucky’s medical marijuana program aims to provide relief for those in need.
