Kentucky now has more than 25,000 active medical marijuana patients, with participation in the state’s relatively new program nearly doubling compared to the same period last year.
According to an August 25 snapshot from the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis, the state has 25,209 active medical cannabis cardholders, along with 11 operating cultivators, five processors, two safety compliance facilities and 23 open dispensaries.
That compares with 12,745 active patients reported on August 22, 2025, representing an increase of approximately 98% in just over a year.
The patient growth comes as Kentucky continues to expand its medical marijuana retail network. The state has authorized 48 dispensaries, with the 24th location, a Blue Sage dispensary in Lebanon, scheduled to open August 28. That will bring half of the state’s licensed dispensaries into operation.
The expanding patient base has also translated into growing sales. Kentucky medical marijuana sales totaled approximately $1.87 million in July, with the market tracking toward $2 million in August, according to the Kentucky Cannabis Industry Alliance.
As of July, the licensed industry had also created 407 jobs across cultivation, processing, retail and testing operations. Kentucky has 487 registered medical cannabis practitioners providing patient consultations and certifications.
Kentucky legalized medical marijuana in 2023, with the state beginning to issue patient cards in January 2025. Retail sales began as licensed cultivators, processors and dispensaries gradually became operational.
With additional dispensaries and other licensed businesses still preparing to open, both patient access and marijuana sales are expected to continue expanding throughout the remainder of 2026.
