Kentucky has issued its first-ever medical marijuana license.
Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday that KCA Laboratories in Nicholasville has received its first license under the state’s medical marijuana program, which begins Jan. 1, 2025.
“KCA labs are safety compliance facilities,” Beshear said at a press conference Thursday. “These facilities are responsible for testing all medical cannabis products before they reach cardholders in Kentucky.” ” he said.
KCA Labs has been operating since 2019 and has 2,000 clients worldwide.
The state has received 4,998 applications for medical marijuana business licenses, which will be approved through a lottery system.
KCA Labs was not included in the lottery because there are no restrictions on licenses for safety-compliant facilities.
A lottery will be held on October 28 to license medicinal cannabis growers and processors. Next month’s lottery will be conducted by the Kentucky Lottery Corporation and will be livestreamed to the public.
The lottery for dispensing pharmacy licenses is likely to be held in November.
Last year, the Kentucky General Assembly passed a bill legalizing medical marijuana for people suffering from a variety of chronic conditions, including cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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