OAK GROVE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Christian County’s only medical cannabis dispensary has opened up on Walter Garrett Lane in Oak Grove, allowing Kentucky residents with valid cards to purchase a variety of products. With the grand opening and ribbon cutting on April 13, the doors for Blue Sage Cannabis Dispensary opened for business right at noon on Monday to a parking lot of waiting patrons.

“It’s not your street drug that we’re offering here. It’s medical medicine for people in need,” owner Chester Thomas told Christian County Now. The dispensary is Missouri based owned by he and his wife Jennifer. They are hoping that with this location, they are able to supply needed relief the qualifying veterans from Fort Campbell and surrounding community.

What to expect when visiting

When entering the building, people first go into a small room where they present their medical cannabis card and go through security. The dispensary itself is an organized, bright environment with helpful “budtenders” working to ensure incoming clientele are informed and receive the product that will be assist them.

They aim to operate with the same professionalism that people expect from any pharmacy, with a welcoming environment for novice questions. Blue Sage also offers a discreet delivery service called Goober Treats that drops products right at doorsteps.

A lot of finishing details went into the building leading up to opening including establishing security cameras, figuring out traffic flow with their drive through, and complying with all regulations and inspections. To properly comply, they are unable to display any marijuana, and they cannot sell any goods that would be used for smoking among other regulations.

“We’re so grateful to be here in Oak Grove to help this community, and we hope that medical cannabis will help a lot of people,” added Jennifer.

| RELATED STORY: Gun ownership prohibited for medical marijuana users, Hopkinsville Police adapts to legalization

Long process leading up to opening, more dispensaries in Kentucky

“It’s a blessing that it’s in our community,” said Oak Grove Mayor Jackie Oliver after the ribbon cutting. She added that the owners have been very transparent and communicative throughout the entire process of development. “I’m excited that they’ve finally opened and I’m excited about all of the benefits that our community and neighboring communities are going to get from this.”

With medical marijuana legalized in Kentucky effective Jan. 1, 2025, almost exactly one year later six dispensaries opened across the commonwealth in January 2026. Four locations were permitted to open in Pennyrile region with others in Lyon, Caldwell, and Hopkins County with several others across Kentucky.

The entire process of cultivating, safety processing and distributing is fully regulated by the government at various facilities that were licensed and approved via a lottery system. Chester explained that every stage of production is monitored and tracked, ensuring the people receive safe products.

How to qualify and apply for medical cannabis card

Qualifying ailments to receive a card were recently expanded. In early February, Governor Beshear announced that a letter had been sent to legislative leadership recommending the General Assembly expand Kentucky’s list of qualifying medical conditions for medical cannabis in the 2026 Regular Session. The recommendation includes serious conditions such as ALS, Parkinson’s, Crohn’s disease, sickle cell anemia, fibromyalgia, glaucoma and terminal illness, among others.

KY Cannabis Solutions has held patient drives in Oak Grove leading up the opening, with more planned in the future at the community center and on site at the dispensary. This allows people to speak with medical professionals and get a certification that will be used to apply for a card through the state. People who attend a drive should bring their ID and relevant medical records, or upload them online ahead of time.

Find more information about how to apply for a medical cannabis card on the Team Kentucky website.

| FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow Christian County Now on Facebook