Kentucky patients desperate for relief just got a big win. Governor Andy Beshear announced on January 8 that the state greenlit Bison Infused as its first licensed medical cannabis processor. This move completes the supply chain, paving the way for products to hit shelves soon and easing months of shortages in the new Kentucky medical cannabis program.
State regulators gave the thumbs up to Bison Infused in Dayton, right across from Cincinnati. The company, doing business as Toro Cannabis, now joins approved cultivators and dispensaries to form a full circle.
Team Kentucky moved fast after lotteries awarded licenses last year. Officials licensed 16 cultivators across tiers, 10 processors, and 48 dispensaries. Bison Infused stood out with its readiness.
Patients have waited over a year since legalization kicked in on January 1, 2025. Senate Bill 47, signed in March 2023, set this in motion to fight opioid addiction and chronic pain.
Now at least one facility operates in every category, from grow to sale.
Bison Infused Gears Up for Big Production
Donny Petarra, the extraction director at Bison Infused, shared bold plans. The team aims to churn out up to 17,000 gummies every eight-hour shift. They also focus on extracts to fuel other products like tinctures and topicals.
This output targets the rush at early dispensaries. The facility shifted from Fulton County to Campbell County last July after a license transfer.
Kentucky growers already supply flower. Safety labs test everything for purity. Bison Infused bridges the gap to finished goods.
Dispensaries Race to Meet Patient Surge
The Post Dispensary in Beaver Dam led the way. It soft-opened December 13, 2025, in Ohio County. Crowds snapped up limited stock in just one week, forcing a pause.
Another spot opens next week in Lexington. A third got approval and follows close behind. More will roll out this quarter.
High demand shows the need. The first dispensary drew folks from across the state. Owners restock as processors like Bison ramp up.
Beshear called it a game changer during his Team Kentucky update.
| Early Dispensary Milestones |
|---|
| The Post (Beaver Dam) |
| Lexington Location |
| Third Approved |
Thousands of Patients Eye Relief Options
Over 17,000 Kentuckians hold medical cannabis cards as of early January 2026. Numbers climbed from 11,500 in July 2025 and 15,000 by October.
Practitioners started certifications December 1, 2024. Patients apply online via the state portal.
To qualify, folks need one key condition. Here are the main ones:
- Any cancer type
- Chronic or severe pain
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders
- Multiple sclerosis or spasms
- Chronic nausea or vomiting syndrome
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
Cards last a year after an in-person doctor visit. Renewals skip fees in 2026 thanks to a governor order.
This program cuts travel to other states. Local access changes lives for those in pain.
Sales could hit $126 million this year, per MJBizDaily forecasts from early 2026. Jobs sprout in rural spots like Dayton and Beaver Dam.
Kentucky built this step by step. Lawmakers sped timelines with House Bill 829. Regulations cover testing and limits.
Patients share stories of hope. One mom waits for seizure relief for her child. A vet seeks PTSD calm without opioids.
The state projects hundreds of new jobs as facilities hire fast.
As shelves fill, Kentucky eases suffering close to home. This rollout proves compassion meets business smarts.
Maria Garcia is an award-winning author who excels in creating engaging cannabis-centric articles that captivate audiences. Her versatile writing style allows her to cover a wide range of topics within the cannabis space, from advocacy and social justice to product reviews and lifestyle features. Maria’s dedication to promoting education and awareness about cannabis shines through in her thoughtfully curated content that resonates with both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
