A medical cannabis dispensary opens in Lexington next week.

The speakeasy dispensary is the first of its kind in central Kentucky, and it doesn't look like a typical dispensary.

So the whole thing with speakeasy is we're really playing into that 1920s like, prohibition vibe, that alcohol had to go through.

We feel that, you know, that's somewhat what cannabis is experiencing right now with like, heavy, heavy regulation.

And as early as 15 years ago, you know, it wasn't it wasn't even a thing.

Right.

So, we're in the early evolutionary stage of cannabis as a medicine and cannabis as a product for people to come in and consume and people to come in and, you know, integrate into their, their everyday lives.

So that's really the, the mantra behind the name.

And we, we play into that within the, the, the building itself.

Right.

So the front of house, it's going to be warm and welcoming.

We've got a Jockey Club theme up there that is going to be really cool and kind of nuanced, and then they're going to make their way to the back of house, where the feel really shifts.

Right?

So the back of house feel is a little bit more dark and moody, right?

That, that kind of 1920s speakeasy leather, brick, wood accents.

So the, the flow and the actual experience, you get to feel, that transition happen as you go through the, through the facility.

As of next Thursday, we're going to have four strains that are going to be represented here.

And those are all going to be flower options.

As we progress from there, by likely the beginning of February, you'll start seeing an introduction of additional strains, additional options from a flower perspective, and then you'll start seeing the, implication or, excuse me, the, introduction of edibles and some other, you know, product categories that will be sold here in the store.

We're going to be massive advocates for patient access as well.

Will be out in the community trying to educate and help people understand what the differences are between, like a regulated in an unregulated market and how we can best help them.

We're not clinicians, so we can't diagnose.

We can't authorize and validate that, you know, somebody should participate in a program because of a preexisting condition.

What we can do is once they are established as a patient, and they come in here and ask us for assistance, we should be able to steer them towards the proper product.

So they're going to be specific aspects of different cannabis products that are going to adhere to specific ailments.

Right?

So, somebody that deals with some type of anxiety induced ailment.

Right.

They may want to try an indica as opposed to a city VA.

Right.

Because that's going to have a calming effect on them as opposed to an energizing effect.

And, you know, that's a that's just a prime example of what we're going to be able to do in that sales process.

So one of the things that they're going to be trained on between now and the time that the doors open is not only product knowledge, but how to engage with that consumer, how to engage with that patient and make sure that the information that's being relayed is being interpreted properly.

And we're making the proper recommendations to those specific products.

The dispensary will open next Thursday morning to customers.

It's in the old Freshies Big Boy building in Hamburg.

That's in Lexington.

Womp womp.

Colder weather is on its way back, but don't let that stop you from enjoying the fun on the way throughout Kentucky.

Our Toby Gibbs has more on this.

Look at what's happening around the Commonwealth.

Get a taste of one of Kentucky's signature industries at the fourth annual Bourbon Con, taking place at the Marion Griffin Gate in Lexington.

The event gathers dozens of distilleries under one roof, offering tastings, live entertainment, educational sessions and discussions that take a closer look at how bourbon is made and why it plays such a big role in Kentucky culture.

Find out how Kentucky got from flat boats to fast lanes at a new exhibit opening this Saturday at the Thomas de Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort.

The Kentucky Historical Society presentation Flat boats to freeways, transportation through time, walks visitors through the evolution of travel across the Commonwealth from early river routes and railroads to the rise of automobiles, and shows how transportation shaped towns, commerce, and daily life in the state.

Come in from the cold and get creative at Cmac contemporary Art museums winter Family Fun Day families can explore hands on art projects suitable for all ages and see live demonstrations from artists featured in current exhibitions.

There will also be live music and hot chocolate to enjoy at this free event.

The City of Somerset is putting local vendors in the spotlight this Saturday as it hosts the hometown market.

Visitors can browse handmade goods, artwork, clothing and specialty items from local vendors.

The market also features food trucks and activities designed for families and shoppers of all ages.

Here.

History.

In every note, as the American Spiritual Ensemble comes to the Grand Theater in Frankfort next Friday, the critically acclaimed program features vocalists known for blending classical techniques with spirituals and highlights both traditional music and Broadway numbers.

A Century of basketball flair is headed to Kentucky, as the world famous Harlem Globetrotters bring their 100 year tour to Bowling Green.

The tour celebrates a century of gravity defying dunks and game changing tricks from a team known for combining athletic skills and entertainment that helped shape the sport of basketball and the spectacle around it.

And that's what's happening around the Commonwealth.

I'm Toby Gibbs.

Thank you so much, Toby Gibbs.

It's been a busy news week, and Bill Bryant and a panel of veteran Kentucky reporters will talk all about it tonight on comment on Kentucky.

They'll take a look back at the governors state of the Commonwealth and budget address.

The week one of the 2026 Kentucky General Assembly and regular session, and today's 2026 candidate filing deadline.

All that and more tonight at eight eastern, seven central right here on Wkyt.

Don't miss it.

And we hope you don't miss us on Monday night again at 630 eastern at 530 central for Kentucky Edition where we inform, connect and inspire.

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Have a fantastic weekend!

Thank you for being with us this week and we'll see you on Monday night.

Take good care.