Medical cannabis sales begin in Northern Kentucky dispensaries

First local dispensary launches in Florence

Medical cannabis represents a historic shift for Northern Kentucky healthcare as the first dispensaries open their doors to qualified patients.

Northern Kentucky has officially commenced the sales of medical cannabis in the region, marking the end of a long wait for thousands of patients. According to reports from WVXU, Bluegrass Cannacare in Florence became the first dispensary in Northern Kentucky to begin operations, initiating a soft launch in late January 2026.

This milestone follows the statewide legalization framework signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear, which fully took effect regarding sales in early 2025.

For residents of Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties, this opening eliminates the need to travel to other parts of the state or rely on out-of-state options. The Florence location, situated on Burlington Pike, began serving patients with a limited supply of flower and processed products.

Additional locations coming to Erlanger and Wilder

While Florence has taken the lead, other designated medical cannabis dispensaries in the region are preparing to open.

State regulators awarded licenses to multiple Northern Kentucky operators through a late 2024 lottery system. Yellow Flowers LLC plans to operate in Erlanger, while C3 Kentucky LLC secured a location in Wilder. According to LINK nky, these companies are currently finalizing construction and regulatory compliance steps.

Supply chain constraints have staggered the rollout. Because federal law prohibits transporting cannabis across state lines, local producers must grow and process all products within the Commonwealth. As cultivators harvest and test their first crops, experts expect inventory levels at Northern Kentucky dispensaries to stabilize by spring 2026.

Qualifying conditions and patient cards

Access to these new facilities is strictly regulated by the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis.

To enter a dispensary, individuals must hold a valid medical cannabis card. The state began accepting applications for these cards on January 1, 2025. As reported by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, over 23,000 Kentuckians have already been issued cards.

Patients qualify if they have been diagnosed with specific medical conditions, including:

• Any type or form of cancer
• Chronic, severe, intractable, or debilitating pain
• Epilepsy or other seizure disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Multiple sclerosis or muscle spasms
• Chronic nausea

Physicians and advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) must be authorized by their respective boards to certify patients. Once certified, patients apply through the state’s online portal.

Economic and community impact

The arrival of medical cannabis is not just a healthcare milestone but an economic one for Northern Kentucky.

Local officials anticipate that the new industry will bring jobs and tax revenue to the region. The Bluegrass Cannacare location alone is part of a broader network of businesses, including testing labs and processors, that are setting up shop in the Commonwealth.

However, the rollout has not been without challenges. Zoning discussions in cities like Bellevue and Alexandria were robust, with some communities opting out or heavily zoning where these businesses could operate. Despite this, the successful opening in Florence signals that the industry is here to stay.

Governor Beshear has praised the launch as a victory for compassion. “We are ensuring Kentuckians with serious medical conditions have access to safe, affordable medicine,” Beshear stated during a recent press briefing.

You can check the legality of Marijuana in your state here.

Meanwhile, in Ohio, recreational marijuana is legal for adults 21 and older. Voters approved Issue 2 (the “Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol” initiative) on November 7, 2023, legalizing adult-use cannabis. Possession and personal cultivation for adults 21+ became legal on December 7, 2023, and licensed recreational sales officially started in the state on August 6, 2024. 

Key points of Ohio’s recreational marijuana law

• Adults 21 or older may legally possess and use recreational marijuana. 

• Adults can possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and 15 grams of concentrate. 

• Adults may grow up to 6 cannabis plants for personal use (maximum of 12 per residence with multiple adults). 

• Licensed dispensaries sell recreational cannabis, and sales began in August 2024. 

Important restrictions

• You must be 21 or older to possess, use, or buy recreational cannabis. 

• Public consumption is generally prohibited and subject to local rules. 

• It’s illegal to operate a vehicle under the influence of marijuana. 

• Marijuana remains illegal under federal law, especially on federal property. 

Some recent legislative updates are adjusting the law’s details, but the core legalization of recreational marijuana for adults in Ohio is in effect.