MIDWAY, Ky. — Medical cannabis will be legal in Kentucky on Jan. 1, 2025. However, it won’t be same day shopping for patients.

“They have to get seed, bring seed into the state because you can’t start with plants and so this process to grow the plants themselves could take six months.”

Bill Polyniak owns Kentucky Cannabis Company. They produce CBD products derived from hemp, a close relative to marijuana. He believes the state’s program is flawed because natural consumption and smoking of the plant not being allowed under the law.

“It’s kind of hard. You’re going to talk to a cancer doctor and they’re going to tell their patients to go get a vape cart or gummies that just seems a little counterproductive.”

Rachel Roberts, executive director of Kentucky Cannabis Industry Alliance, said it’s about bringing relief to Kentuckians living with cancer, epilepsy, PTSD and other qualified conditions relief.

“That’s what this is all about is making sure patients of Kentucky who have been asking for this medicine for years now are able to access safe, reliable tested medicine as soon as possible.”

Roberts is hopeful products will become available in early 2025.

“Right now, they can start meeting with their providers who can help them to get their prescription and then as of January 1. They can start applying for their medical card.”

Polyniak did not apply to be a part of the medical cannabis lottery or program. He wishes it success, but is skeptical the law also won’t allow home growth and is worried the strictness will open the program up to bad actors.

“It almost seems like a money grab; taking money for your card, getting businesses here versus really focused on medical products that solve medical issues that people are looking for and at an affordable rate.”

Kentucky awarded 48 dispensaries the initial licenses to sell medical marijuana.

On Wednesday, patients can apply for their medical marijuana card online.