Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear says he expects medical marijuana dispensaries to be up and running before the close of 2025, though he acknowledged the process has taken longer than some anticipated.

Speaking at his weekly Team Kentucky briefing, Beshear noted that most dispensaries now have confirmed locations and are preparing for final inspections. However, those inspections require product to be in stock, which has not yet happened. Cultivation only began in July, meaning plants still need time to grow and be processed before reaching retail shelves.

“I think most of our dispensaries now have their home, address, are set about where they’re going to be,” Beshear said. “But some of the inspections that have to happen in dispensaries, they have to have product that’s there. So, I do believe they’ll be operating before the end of the year. I think everybody is working as hard and as fast as they can, but they’re wanting to make sure they do it right as well.”

The governor pointed out that the state could have launched the rollout differently—by first allowing cultivators to begin growing, then licensing processors, and finally dispensaries. Instead, dispensaries are currently in a holding pattern, waiting for supply from the other two sectors.

Beshear said the delay is frustrating for patients eager for legal access but stressed that the state wants to ensure a smooth and compliant rollout. If cultivation and processing continue on schedule, Kentucky’s first medical marijuana sales could take place within the next few months.