Medical cannabis has been legal in Kentucky for over a year, but patients are just now seeing some of the products they’ve been waiting for, as the state’s in-state manufacturing continues to ramp up. With the growth of local production, more options are becoming available, including fast-acting items like vape pens and concentrates.
New Products on the Horizon
Since opening just two months ago, Bluegrass Cannacare in Florence has already seen a steady demand for products like vape pens. However, general manager Chad Johns explained that these products have not yet reached shelves because they must be grown, processed, and manufactured entirely within the state.
“We’ve actually told quite a few people that we don’t have those products yet, because the state hasn’t manufactured them and everything has to be grown, processed, and made in-state to sell in-state,” Johns said.
Excitingly, Johns confirmed that concentrates and cartridges are expected to be available soon. “Concentrates will probably be, I’m going to say, mid-summer, hopefully sooner. [Cartridges], within the next week or so,” Johns added.
Meeting the Needs of Patients
As more cannabis products become available, industry leaders are emphasizing the importance of diversifying product offerings. According to Rachel Roberts of the Kentucky Cannabis Industry Association, flower is not the preferred option for many patients, and for some, it’s simply not a viable option.
“What generally comes online first is flower, but for many patients, flower isn’t their preferred way to take their medicine, and for some, it’s not even possible,” said Roberts. “If you’re suffering from chronic nausea, for instance, something like an edible may not be the medicine that you want.
You want something fast-acting like a vape cartridge or a concentrate, so this really rounds out the product categories for Kentucky patients for the first time.”
Roberts’ statement highlights how the expanding range of products will better serve Kentucky’s medical cannabis community, providing essential alternatives to the traditional flower.
Challenges and Comparisons with Ohio
While Kentucky’s cannabis industry is making significant strides, there are still challenges to overcome. One issue specific to Northern Kentucky is the proximity to Ohio, where medical cannabis has been available for nearly a decade.
The early stages of Ohio’s market saw high prices, but as the industry matured, costs gradually decreased. Chad Johns noted that Kentucky will likely experience a similar trend over time.
“Look at Ohio five years ago, the prices were extremely high. They’ve worked themselves down. There’s just not enough product to get those prices down yet. That’s the thing I want to tell people; it will come down over time,” Johns said.
As Kentucky’s supply increases, prices are expected to lower, making cannabis more accessible to patients across the state.
Vape Products and New Options
In the coming days, Toro Infused, Northern Kentucky’s only processor based in Dayton, could be among the first to have vape products on shelves, with an expected launch by the end of the week. The company, which has been producing gummies since January, is also working on gelatin-free gummies for patients with dietary or religious restrictions.
These new offerings will provide a variety of options, including fast-acting products for patients who need immediate relief, further solidifying the state’s progress in the medical cannabis field.
Kentucky’s medical cannabis industry is evolving as it introduces new products that cater to the diverse needs of patients. The expansion into fast-acting products like concentrates and vape pens marks a critical milestone for the state, which has faced challenges in the rollout.
However, as local production grows, patients will continue to see more options, with prices expected to stabilize as the market matures. With the introduction of new product types and the addition of local processors, Kentucky’s cannabis landscape is poised to become more patient-friendly and accessible in the coming months.
