Gathering at Kentucky Alternative Care
The Poker Run was an absolute blast. I was stationed at Kentucky Alternative Care (KAC) in Louisville alongside Chris McMillin, where we had the opportunity to meet the KAC team and interact with participants throughout the day.
From the moment we arrived, the hospitality stood out. The staff was welcoming, professional, and eager to answer questions about both their facility and Kentucky's growing medical cannabis program. Whether someone was a first-time visitor or a returning patient, everyone was treated with respect and kindness.
As participants stopped by to draw their cards, Chris and I spent much of the day discussing the power of community and the importance of people coming together around a shared purpose. Several visitors were curious about the Poker Run itself, giving us the chance to explain the event, encourage advocacy, and remind people that their voices matter in shaping Kentucky's future cannabis policies.
The setup created an atmosphere where conversations flowed naturally. It wasn't just about drawing cards and chasing a cash prize—it was about connecting with people who care about the future of cannabis in Kentucky and want to see continued progress for patients and advocates alike.
What Kentuckians Are Saying About Cannabis Reform
Wanting to hear directly from the people affected by Kentucky's medical cannabis rollout, I spent some time asking participants what they thought about the current state of cannabis policy in the Commonwealth.
The responses were honest and passionate.
One participant told me, "The way they made it legal, it's still basically illegal. There's paperwork that just doesn't make sense patients are required to fill out."
Another shared, "We have a long way to go, and this event proves how much people want more to come of cannabis reform."
A third person summed up their thoughts by saying, "People need to quit being scared of learning the truth about cannabis."
While opinions varied, one thing became clear: most people are genuinely excited to finally have access to legal medical cannabis in Kentucky. At the same time, many hope to see continued reforms, expanded patient access, and ongoing conversations surrounding issues such as uninterrupted availability and home cultivation rights.
Events like the KCFC Poker Run serve as a reminder that the cannabis movement isn't slowing down. If anything, it continues to bring together patients, advocates, business owners, and everyday Kentuckians who want to see sensible policies and a stronger future for the Commonwealth.
Chris & I Discuss The "Root Issues"
One of the highlights of the day was hearing Chris reflect on what the event meant to him.
His biggest takeaway was that the future looks bright—not just for cannabis reform, but for the broader idea of building something better than what previous generations left behind.
Chris spoke about how the public increasingly understands that cannabis reform is about much more than simply purchasing cannabis legally. It's about freedom, education, opportunity, compassion, and ensuring that people have access to choices that improve their quality of life.
He believes most people already see the bigger picture. What is needed now are brave and committed individuals willing to continue advocating, educating, and pushing conversations forward. To Chris, the Poker Run represented exactly that—a community of people willing to show up, participate, and help move Kentucky toward a future rooted in liberty, justice, and common sense.
His message was one of optimism. Progress may take time, but the momentum is there, and the people of Kentucky continue proving they are ready to be part of that journey.
Great People, Great Weather, Great Memories
The weather couldn't have been better, and after a successful day, everyone gathered at Cloverleaf Eatery. The restaurant was incredibly generous, providing complimentary drinks and creating a welcoming atmosphere where participants could relax and share stories from the road.
I had a chance to have some fun with the 360 camera, spend time with fellow members of KCFC, and meet some genuinely interesting people throughout the event. One of those was Sebastian, who is currently competing in a Cannabis Cup and, as he jokingly put it, spending plenty of time "eating weed" in the name of research.
Before heading home, I also picked up some F.E.C.O. (Fully Extracted Cannabis Oil) from Kentucky Alternative Care. I'll simply say this—it was powerful. I slept like a baby and woke up feeling refreshed without any grogginess. While F.E.C.O. isn't for everyone, I can certainly see why some patients appreciate its effects.
A special congratulations goes out to Melissa, who won the $200 Grand Prize at the KCFC Poker Run. After completing all five stops and drawing her cards, she came away with the top hand and the cash prize. It was a great ending to a day filled with community, advocacy, and plenty of smiles.
When the day was over, the biggest takeaway wasn't the cards, the prize money, or even the products. It was the people. The conversations, the shared experiences, and the sense of community reminded everyone why events like this matter. Kentucky's cannabis culture continues to grow, and if this Poker Run was any indication, the future is full of passionate individuals ready to help shape it.
I'm glad I got to be part of it, and I hope you'll tune in when the podcast episode drops. Be sure to follow Stewart's Passion on Instagram and X for future event coverage, live streams, blogs, and podcast updates.
Together, We Will Change The Narrative.
9 comments
The F.E.C.O ain’t to be played with – ( subbing to your podcast now)
From what we saw online the music was thu.ping- seemed like yaw had a good turn out
Loved your Instagram live you did!! I’ll have to come next year
We watched your live. Seemed like yaw where just getting started when we tuned in. Great conversation . Wish I was still in that area