Kentucky legalized medical marijuana at the start of 2025, and thousands of patients are waiting for cannabis products to be available on the shelves as of late October.
A Wednesday, Oct. 22, update from the Office of Medical Cannabis revealed that more than 15,000 people have been approved for medical marijuana cards in the commonwealth. Executive Director of the Office of Medical Cannabis Cannon Armstrong said three cultivators are in the process of growing.
A processor will be online by the end of the month and one dispensary, The Post Dispensary, is currently approved to operate. Armstrong said other dispensaries should be approved within the next month.
Here’s what to know.
How many Kentuckians have medical marijuana cards?
According to an Office of Medical Cannabis update given to the Health Services committee on Wednesday, Oct. 22, more than 15,000 patients have been issued medical marijuana cards so far for the program.
Most certifications fall under the categories of chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder, which are two of six qualifying conditions.
How much does a medical marijuana application and certification cost?
Application costs for a medical marijuana card are $25, according to the Office of Medical Cannabis, with additional costs of appointments and written certifications decided by the individual physician.
“Medical cannabis practitioners may set fees for appointment as they do for other kinds of appointments,” spokesperson Kendra Steele previously said to The Courier Journal. “That fee is not set by Kentucky law and is between the practitioner and the patient.”
Patients who received medical marijuana cards in 2025 will have their $25 renewal application fee waived in 2026 under Executive Order 2025-355, which was issued by Gov. Andy Beshear on May 29. It is unclear what renewal appointment costs will look like next year.
Kentucky medical marijuana: How much do medical marijuana cards cost in Kentucky? What we know about certifications
Reach Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky medical marijuana 2025: Cardholders wait for dispensaries
