Local businessmen to launch medical cannabis dispensary in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A familiar face to longtime WDRB viewers is taking on a new role in Kentucky’s growing medical cannabis industry.

Dustin Stanley, once known for his financial advice seen on WDRB, has teamed up with local dentist Dr. Su Kang to launch Kentucky Alternative Care, a new medical cannabis dispensary opening this fall on Bardstown Road.

“We’re educating the public and showing people how easy it is to go out and get your license—if you have a qualifying medical condition,” Stanley said.

The pair is among the few Kentuckians who have secured one of the coveted state licenses. As WDRB has previously reported, about 90% of medical cannabis licenses in Kentucky were awarded to out-of-state interests.

“That’s the biggest thing—we’re Kentuckians through and through,” Stanley said.

How to get a medical cannabis card in Kentucky

Getting approved for medical cannabis in Kentucky is not like filling a traditional prescription. Instead, patients must go through a two-step process to obtain a digital registry ID card.

“A qualified medical cannabis doctor is who you’ll reach out to first,” Stanley explained.

Once a doctor determines a patient qualifies under one of the approved conditions, they submit a written certification through the state’s online portal, typically within 24 hours of the visit.

Currently, Kentucky recognizes the following conditions for medical cannabis:

Cancer
Epilepsy
Chronic pain
PTSD
Nausea
Multiple sclerosis

“Those are the conditions that qualify you at this moment,” Kang said. “But Kentucky is open to adding more conditions in the near future.”

After a patient creates an account with the state, and if they meet the criteria, the state issues a digital medical cannabis card.

Louisville resident Danielle Shariat is among the first wave of Kentuckians to apply for a medical cannabis card.

“I have several underlying conditions, like anxiety, PTSD, and major depression,” she said. “So I figured, why not? It’s a good idea, and now I can.”

She hopes cannabis will help her reduce her dependence on prescription medications.

“I was taking 8 to 10 pills a day. Now I’m down to 3 or 4,” Shariat said.

Stanley and Kang hope to open their doors this fall. Inside, the clinic is designed to feel bright, clean and welcoming. While the exact product menu hasn’t been finalized, Kentucky law currently allows for edible and vaping forms of cannabis only.

Unlike traditional prescriptions, patients will be able to choose their preferred strength and method of delivery in consultation with their provider.

“Marijuana is safe and it’s controlled,” Stanley said. “It’s been proven in other states, and if it’s done properly, which Governor Beshear and the state have done an incredible job of, it works.”

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