Kentucky’s Medical Marijuana Program: A Sneak Peek into the Production Process
As Kentucky’s medical marijuana program continues to take shape, a licensed cultivator and manufacturer is giving the public a rare glimpse into the process. Cresco Labs, a company with a license to operate in Kentucky, recently invited LEX 18 News to tour their facility in Yellow Springs, Ohio, showcasing the intricacies of cultivating and manufacturing marijuana from seed to sale.
The facility is a marvel of precision and control, with every step of the process carefully monitored and tracked. The tour began in the clone room, where baby plants are grown from cuttings from mother plants, ensuring consistency in the final product. The plants are then transferred to the veg room, where they are nurtured for three weeks to become bushier and more resilient.
The next stage is the greenhouse, where the plants mature and develop their buds, releasing fragrant aromas. Once the plants reach 13 weeks old, they are harvested and hung upside down in the drying room to remove excess moisture. The buds are then cut off and packaged, with every step of the process tracked using blue tags that identify the plant and its products.
The facility also produces a range of edible products, from colorful treats to oils and creams. Every product is carefully crafted and packaged, with the same attention to detail and precision as the cultivation process.
Cresco Labs’ spokesperson, Jason Erkes, emphasized the importance of transparency and trust in the industry. “We want people to understand what goes into regulated cannabis, as medical marijuana is new to the state,” he said. “It’s brand new in Kentucky, and people don’t really know what to expect. They don’t know what the products are going to look like, or how they’re manufactured, or the conditions they’re manufactured in.”
Erkes highlighted the sophistication of the process, dispelling common misconceptions about marijuana cultivation. “It’s not just some guys in a garage growing weed,” he said. “It’s a highly regulated and compliance-focused environment.”
The company is excited to enter the Kentucky market, with plans to service patients once the program launches. While operational details are still under wraps, Erkes noted that the company is already 90% compliant with Kentucky’s regulations, pending final details.
As Kentucky’s medical marijuana program takes shape, Cresco Labs’ commitment to transparency and precision is a promising sign for patients and the industry alike.
