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.

This map shows some of the Illinois dispensaries closest to Kentucky.

Ohio

Ohio has operating medical marijuana dispensaries and recreational dispensaries. Kentuckians over the age of 21 can purchase from any of the recreational dispensaries in Ohio. You can possess up to 2.5 ounces of flower (or the equivalent in other forms), but purchasing amounts are different. Initially, consumers can purchase no more than the following in a single transaction:

• One ounce of dried plant material, called flower.

• Ten units of oil to vape, each containing 590mg of THC.

• Ten packages of edibles totaling no more than 1,100mg of THC.

Cincinatti is a popular destination for Kentuckians, and there are several dispensaries in the city. We will continue to update this list as more recreational dispensaries open, but here are options in the Cincinatti area:

• Pure Iconic, whose phone number is (513) 273-1460

• Zean Leaf, whose phone number is (513) 440-6340

• The Landing, whose phone number is (513) 512-4808

• Nectar, whose phone number is (513) 386-8586

• Verilife, whose phone number is (513) 599-1550

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.

This map shows some of the Missouri dispensaries closest to Kentucky.

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.

This map shows some of the Michigan dispensaries closest to Kentucky.

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.