Where can I purchase medical marijuana?
Governor Andy Beshear’s executive order created a pathway for Kentuckians to use medical marijuana, but it did not create a formal medical marijuana program with dispensaries. For the time being, Kentuckians are expected to purchase their medical marijuana at a licensed dispensary and transport it back to Kentucky.
Illinois
Recreational dispensaries in Illinois can sell to any adult over the age of 21, regardless of residency. This means folks visiting from Kentucky can purchase marijuana with a valid form of ID. You may purchase up to 15 grams of marijuana flower, 2.5 grams of marijuana concentrate, and up to 250 milligrams of THC-infused products (like edibles). The state does not track how many purchases you make in a day, so you may visit multiple dispensaries.
The closest dispensary to Louisville is Thrive Dispensary in Harrisburg, Illinois. It is about two hours and 55 minutes away and just one hour from Paducah, Kentucky. This dispensary is also an hour and forty five minutes from Owensboro. Another short 15 minute drive takes you from Harrisburg to the Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area. This city has two dispensaries: NuMed and Sunnyside.
Missouri
Recreational dispensaries in Missouri can sell to any adult over the age of 21, regardless of residency. This means folks visiting from Kentucky can purchase marijuana with a valid form of ID. You may purchase up to three ounces every 30 days. Some medical dispensaries may accept your medical marijuana certificate, which would allow you to buy from the medical menu and purchase up to six ounces every 30 days.
Michigan
Recreational dispensaries in Michigan can sell to any adult over the age of 21, regardless of residency. This means folks visiting from Kentucky can purchase marijuana with a valid form of ID. You may purchase up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana per transaction, but there is no daily or monthly limit like in other states. This is also the possession limit. Some dispensaries may allow you to purchase from the medical menu with your medical marijuana certificate.
Of the neighboring states, Michigan generally has the cheapest prices for medical marijuana. It is a farther drive, but people can typically afford to buy more than they could in Illinois or Missouri.
Ohio
Ohio has operating medical marijuana dispensaries. Unfortunately, you must be an Ohio-medical marijuana cardholder in order to enter. Kentuckians cannot purchase from any Ohio dispensary at this time.
However, officials with the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control discussed the process of approving licenses and the current timeline as of April 2024. They said the 120 medicinal dispensaries operating in the state must apply for a dual-use license by June 7 and should be approved and selling cannabis products to adults 21 and older as early as July. So, this summer, Kentuckians should be able to purchase marijuana at Ohio dispensaries! You can read more on this topic here.
West Virginia
West Virginia currently does not have recreational dispensaries, but it does have medical dispensaries. Unfortunately, you must be an West Virginia-medical marijuana cardholder in order to enter. Kentuckians cannot purchase from any West Virginian dispensary. However, individuals with cancer may be able to apply for a West Virginian medical marijuana card even if they do not live in the state.
Virginia
Virginia currently does not have recreational dispensaries, but it does have medical dispensaries. Unfortunately, you must be a Virginia-medical marijuana cardholder in order to enter. Kentuckians cannot purchase from any Virginian dispensary. However, recreational dispensaries are expected to open in 2024.
Indiana
Indiana does not have a recreational or medical marijuana program. They do not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards either.
Tennessee
Tennessee does not have a recreational or medical marijuana program. They do not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards either.