LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Kentucky has broken ground on its first medical cannabis safety compliance facility.

It’s in Mayfield, and is a $1 million investment. State38 LLC will employ around a dozen Kentuckians, and will be one of seven in the state to ensure the safety and quality of medical cannabis products.

People started applying for medical marijuana cards Jan. 1, 2025. Since then, 10,224 cards have been issued along with 15,108 written certifications.

Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order Thursday, saying cardholders won’t have to pay a renewal fee in 2026 since they can’t buy medical cannabis in Kentucky yet.

“It’s a $25 fee, but we recognize that while we expect some of these dispensaries to be open this year,” Beshear said. “You may have gotten one in January and haven’t been able to use it for at least this first half of the year.

Kentucky has also confirmed locations for 39 of the state’s 48 planned dispensaries.

The Office of Medical Cannabis also launched a Dispensary Directory so cardholders can find the nearest dispensaries once they open. To find a dispensary near you, visit kymedcan.ky.gov.

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