Sunnyside Dispensary opens in Prestonsburg, expanding medical cannabis access in Eastern Kentucky. Posted: Oct 16, 2026 / 08:54 PM EDT Updated: Oct 16, 2026 / 09:14 PM EDT PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WOWK) - A new medical cannabis dispensary is now serving patients in Floyd County, becoming the first operating dispensary in Kentucky's Mountain licensing region. Sunnyside Dispensary officially opened its doors Monday, Oct. 12, after receiving approval from the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis on Oct. 9. With the Prestonsburg location operating, state officials say medical cannabis dispensaries are now open in all 11 licensing regions across the Commonwealth. Kentucky now has 26 operating dispensary facilities. The dispensary is located at 81 Glynview Plaza, Suite 147, in Prestonsburg and is open seven days a week. For some patients, the new location means having medical cannabis available closer to home. Scottie Gross told 13 News he began experiencing seizures more than 20 years ago and was prescribed several medications, but said he continued having seizures. "Well, I started having seizures. They had me on every kind of medication, and I mean handfuls every day. I still had them," Gross said. "Finally, my wife and I were talking one day, and she did it on her own, actually. I quit taking all of the seizure medicine and started smoking a little weed just in the morning. Haven't had one since then. That's been 20-some years now." Gross said he believes cannabis has also helped him manage pain and nerve problems and described his experience with it as life-changing. His experience is personal and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Kentucky's medical cannabis program requires patients to obtain a written certification from an authorized medical cannabis practitioner before applying for a medical cannabis card. State guidance says practitioners are required to discuss possible risks, side effects and drug interactions with patients. Kentucky legalized medical cannabis through Senate Bill 47, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2025. Recreational cannabis remains illegal in the Commonwealth. According to Governor Andy Beshear's office, more than 28,000 Kentuckians have been approved for medical cannabis cards, and more than 500 medical cannabis practitioners have registered with the state program. Sunnyside's grand opening in Prestonsburg is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23.

Cresco Labs has opened its seventh Ohio dispensary, Sunnyside Bridgeport, located at 435 Main Street in Bridgeport. The new location marks the company's 73rd dispensary nationwide. The store is situated in downtown Bridgeport near the Ohio River, close to I-70 and U.S. Route 40. It offers cannabis products from Cresco Labs' brand portfolio, including Cresco, Supply, Good News, Mindy's and Wonder, along with accessories. Customers aged 21 and older can shop in-store or order online for pickup. The dispensary operates daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. CEO Charlie Bachtell said the opening brings the company's "education-first approach" to more consumers across Belmont County and the Ohio Valley region.