Kentucky Alternative Care medical cannabis dispensary opens in the Highlands – WLKY
Founders Dr. Su Kang and Dustin Stanley say the dispensary is focused on creating a guided, patient-first experience.
Founders Dr. Su Kang and Dustin Stanley say the dispensary is focused on creating a guided, patient-first experience.
Founders Dr. Su Kang and Dustin Stanley say the dispensary is focused on creating a guided, patient-first experience.
A new medical cannabis dispensary is now open in the Highlands.
Kentucky Alternative Care opened Saturday. Founders Dr. Su Kang and Dustin Stanley say the dispensary is focused on creating a guided, patient-first experience. Customers check in with a “budtender” to talk through symptoms and goals, then get recommendations based on medical needs.
“We’re identifying their sores, what their pain management is and what they’re looking for,” Kang said.
The founders also say education is central to their mission, particularly for patients seeking alternatives for pain management amid the opioid epidemic.
“A lot of times these are accidental overdoses. People forget they took their medicine,” Stanley said. “So just being able to help that and reduce that by helping people with their pain management. I mean, you’re not going to accidentally overdose if you’re using cannabis.”
That education, they say, includes helping patients understand that effectiveness isn’t just about THC percentage, but about how different compounds work together depending on what someone needs, whether that’s better sleep or more energy during the day.
For some customers, the opening means easier access. Meaghan Thomas said she’s been waiting a long time for a dispensary closer to home after previously driving to Lexington.
“It’s way better for me than some other things like pharmaceuticals that have dangerous side effects,” Thomas said. “So, I’m super happy. It really has helped my life.”
Thomas said medical marijuana has helped her manage PTSD and anxiety.
“Medical marijuana for me just helps me get out of my PTSD zone and kind of come back to normal,” Thomas said. “It helps me get social anxiety.”
As more patients turn to cannabis as a treatment option, the dispensary’s founders say they hope to help reduce stigma and normalize medical use.
“Once you understand the benefits, you can’t deny the fact that it does help, for people and patients,” Kang said.
“We’re in the 38 states who have adopted or made marijuana legal. It’s becoming more and more normalized,” Stanley said.
Kentucky Alternative Care is open Tuesday through Sunday. A medical marijuana card is required to enter.
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