Beaver Dam, KY — In a historic move for the state, Kentucky has officially approved its first medical cannabis dispensary, signaling a major step forward in expanding healthcare access for residents with serious medical conditions. Governor Andy Beshear announced on Wednesday that “The Post Dispensary” in Beaver Dam has received the green light to begin operations this fall.
Located on North Main Street, The Post Dispensary will be the first facility in the Commonwealth of Kentucky legally permitted to distribute medical cannabis. It’s a significant moment not just for Beaver Dam, but for patients across the Tri-State region who have long advocated for safe, legal access to alternative treatments.
Kentucky passed its medical cannabis legislation in 2023, joining the growing number of states recognizing the therapeutic benefits of cannabis for conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. Until now, however, patients had to travel out of state or rely on unregulated sources to obtain medical cannabis—both risky and often legally precarious options.
With the opening of The Post Dispensary, those patients will soon have access to a licensed, state-regulated facility right in their community.
The dispensary's location in Beaver Dam is particularly notable. As a smaller city in Ohio County, its selection reflects Kentucky’s commitment to ensuring that medical cannabis access isn’t limited to major metro areas. By launching in a rural community, the state is setting a tone of inclusivity and equitable access from the very start of its program.
While the exact opening date has yet to be announced, The Post Dispensary is expected to begin serving patients this fall. In the meantime, state officials are finalizing guidance for patients, physicians, and dispensary staff, including the process for obtaining medical cannabis cards and what products will be initially available.
The move has been widely applauded by local advocates and healthcare providers who believe medical cannabis can fill a critical gap in treatment options—especially for patients who haven’t responded well to traditional pharmaceuticals or are seeking alternatives to opioids.
As The Post prepares to open its doors, all eyes will be on Beaver Dam. This small Kentucky town is making big history by being the first to provide legal, regulated medical cannabis—and for many, it’s the beginning of a new chapter in compassionate healthcare across the Commonwealth.