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In recent history, the legalization of medical cannabis – which has been a matter of debate among several states – was passed in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 

Cresco Labs, a cannabis and medical marijuana company based in Chicago, IL, will soon make its mark. 

Joined by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and others, a ribbon cutting ceremony took place at 1805 Fortune Drive as the company announced plans for one of the largest licensed cannabis cultivation facilities statewide. 

“Cresco Labs….is set to be one of Kentucky’s largest medical marijuana facilities,” stated the Facebook page of the City of Winchester, KY Community Information also noting that city leadership attended the event. “The reported $15.4 million facility is expected to have products available by the end of the year.” 

According to a press release, Cresco Labs previously announced an agreement with a Tier III cultivation licensee, thereby enabling them to operate one of just two facilities in the Commonwealth that has up to 25,000 square feet of growing capacity. 

At Winchester’s location, there will be up to 100 full time employees when fully operational, with Phase 1 of construction anticipated for completion in August 2025. 

Governor Beshear pointed out that – among other benefits – health impacts would be positive. 

“You are on the way to helping so many Kentuckians struggling with chronic pain not to have to take addictive opioids and helping veterans struggling from PTSD to get the relief they need,” he said. “I’ve talked with so many people whose lives medical cannabis has helped repair, taking the shattered parts of themselves, helping them put it back together, and getting back to a job.” 

Cresco Labs CEO Charlie Bachtell announced that the company plans to keep the community informed. 

“We’ve got a lot of experience and awareness and education platforms that are needed in order to make sure all stakeholders in the state understand what medical cannabis is and how to participate in the program, and we look forward to bringing that experience here,” he said. 

Having launched cannabis programs in other states such as Illinois and Pennsylvania, Bachtel has expressed confidence in the operations. 

The opening comes on the heels of State Auditor Allison Ball announcing that her office would investigate the Office of Medical Cannabis and its execution of the Kentucky Medical Cannabis program. 

However, Governor Beshear expressed confidence in the execution. 

“Every part of the lottery and this program was not only available to the public, but it was put into various regulations or polices that anyone who wants to participate or comment on could,” he said. “I understand that there are businesses that are disappointed and that’s natural. But we’re having to scale this starting small because we saw what happened with the hemp industry.” 

Cresco Labs has launched a website  – https://www.kystateofrelief.com – to educate others on the medical marijuana program.