BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) – A medical cannabis dispensary opened in Bowling Green on Friday, giving south-central Kentucky cardholders local access to medicine many have been driving hours to obtain.

The opening comes as medical cannabis dispensaries continue to open across the commonwealth.

“They’re excited to have access. A few have waited. They’ve had their cards since last year and just haven’t wanted to travel and shop. Some have been traveling, you know, up to Louisville or shopping out of state, so they’re happy that they can have access locally,” Director of retail and revenue, Robert Winn, said.

Steve Waddell was among the first customers through the door.

“It’s awesome because I have to travel out of state just to get anything that I need. So having this here is a godsend for me,” Waddell said.

The dispensary is designed to serve patients who haven’t yet gone through the state’s application process. Winn said, they’ve built in a way to help people get their cards on site.

“We’ve got a team that also will help with patients working through the state application process,” Winn said. “For $50, they’re able to come in and see the doctor and then get their card, hopefully within the next 5 to 10 business days.”

The opening lines up with a major development at the state level. Earlier this week, Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order expanding the conditions that qualify for medical cannabis.

“This program is doing exactly what it was intended to do; reduce pain, nausea, and suffering so Kentuckians can live fuller lives,” Beshear said. “The emergency regulation will help people that already qualify but don’t know that they do sign up if they’re looking for an alternative. It’s going to help people reclaim their lives through a safe, non-addictive treatment.”

Following that signing, 15 conditions are now covered under Kentucky law, including ALS, Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease and Huntington’s disease.

The state’s online registry is available at kbc.ky.gov, where patients can check whether their condition qualifies and begin the card application process.