Kentucky is taking a major step toward accessible medical cannabis with the announcement of its first marijuana dispensary set to open this fall. Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the milestone on July 31 via social media, sharing that The Post Dispensary in Beaver Dam will be the first licensed marijuana dispensary to open its doors in the state.
“Great news, Kentucky — today, we approved the state’s first medical cannabis dispensary for operations in Beaver Dam,” Beshear wrote. “This is another step forward as we work to ensure Kentuckians with serious medical conditions have access to the medicine they need and deserve.”
The approval of the state's first marijuana dispensary comes just weeks after the governor announced that Armory Kentucky LLC, a cultivator based in Mayfield, had officially introduced the first legal inventory of medical cannabis in Kentucky history. The facility passed its inspection, making it a key supplier for the soon-to-open marijuana dispensary.
Governor Beshear emphasized that this progress reflects the administration’s commitment to helping Kentuckians suffering from cancer, PTSD, multiple sclerosis, and other qualifying conditions. “I am proud we are making progress to deliver safe, affordable access to medical cannabis,” he said in a statement.
This first marijuana dispensary is part of a broader initiative to bring medical cannabis access to Kentuckians as quickly and safely as possible. In coordination with the General Assembly, business licensing processes were accelerated by six months to support dispensary operators and cultivators alike in getting up and running.
The state is expecting more developments soon. Additional licensees — including processors and testing labs — are anticipated to begin operations in the coming weeks. These components are essential to building a safe, effective supply chain for every marijuana dispensary that opens across Kentucky.
Beshear urged the administration to reject federal spending restrictions that would block the rescheduling of marijuana from a Schedule I drug meaning no accepted medical use to a Schedule III drug, which reflects a lower potential for abuse and recognized medical applications.
“Patients suffering should have access to safe cannabis for treatment,” Beshear said. “And rescheduling would help provide more Americans – and Kentuckians – relief.” A change in federal scheduling would make operations at every marijuana dispensary easier by opening doors to banking, insurance, and medical research currently restricted under federal law.
As Kentucky prepares for its first marijuana dispensary to launch, the move signals a growing shift in public health policy. It also reflects increasing public support across political lines for expanding access to medical cannabis.
The launch of The Post Dispensary is more than a business opening — it’s a historic moment for patients, providers, and policymakers. With more marijuana dispensary licenses expected to follow, Kentucky is positioning itself to build a responsible, accessible medical cannabis program from the ground up.
