PADUCAH — Kentucky NORML hosted a patient registration fair Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Paducah-McCracken County Convention Center, giving residents the chance to take the first steps toward legally accessing medical marijuana.

The event, held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., connected patients with local physicians, provided guidance on Kentucky’s medical cannabis program, and offered one-on-one assistance with the state registration application.

“It’s really exciting, because we’ve been waiting for the market to open,” said Linda Buchanan with Kentucky NORML. “We’re giving patients the opportunity to see a doctor and get everything that they need done from start to finish.”

Dispensaries have already been approved in Kentucky, but the market remains on hold until processing facilities release product for sale.

Buchanan said the program has the potential to help people dealing with chronic pain illnesses such as lupus and cancer by offering more natural alternatives to opioids.

“What’s so amazing is that we’re able to now use more natural products and get the help and healing that we want without having to down the path of opioids,” she said.

Kentuckians must have a state-issued medical marijuana card to legally purchase cannabis once dispensaries open. Buchanan said a key purpose of the registration fairs is to prepare patients now so they are ready when products become available.

“One of the biggest misnomers is that people think marijuana is now legal in Kentucky,” Buchanan said. “It’s still an illegal substance unless you have the card. That’s why were here doing these events… to help people take that first step.

More information on upcoming patient registration fairs is available on Kentucky NORML’s wesite.