Dark Horse Cannabis Completes First Harvest in Richmond, Kentucky

In a significant milestone for Kentucky's emerging medical cannabis landscape, Dark Horse Cannabis has proudly announced the successful completion of its inaugural harvest at its licensed Tier III cultivation facility located in Richmond, Kentucky. This facility, owned and managed by Natural State GreenGrass CannaCo, signifies a pivotal step forward as the state transitions from planning to the active production of medical cannabis.

A Key Moment for Kentucky's Medical Cannabis Program

The recent harvest, concluded on December 11, serves as an essential benchmark within the framework of Kentucky's medical cannabis initiative. Established to meet stringent compliance standards, the Richmond site is designed not only for substantial, regulated cultivation but also to enhance the foundational supply chain needed for a robust, long-term medical cannabis marketplace in the Commonwealth.

The opening of the facility has been instrumental in creating local jobs within Madison County, enabling the training of a workforce skilled in regulated agricultural operations, compliance, and the production of medical cannabis. This commitment highlights the emphasis Dark Horse places on professional cultivation practices and workforce development as Kentucky builds out its medical cannabis infrastructure.

Celebrating Progress with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

On January 14, Dark Horse celebrated this achievement with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by notable figures including Governor Andy Beshear, industry professionals, and local officials. This event not only marked the facility's completion but also shed light on its critical role in furthering Kentucky's medical cannabis program from theoretical planning stages to operational reality, illustrating the collaborative endeavors between regulators, operators, and community allies that have made this project a success.

Governor Beshear remarked, "From cultivation to dispensaries, every process of the Medical Cannabis program is now up and running in Kentucky, and Natural State GreenGrass CannaCo in Richmond is going to build on that progress. We made a promise to help find relief for Kentuckians suffering from PTSD, cancer, and other serious conditions, and I am proud to say we've delivered. Together, we'll keep working to make sure every eligible Kentuckian can access safe medical cannabis when they need it."

Collaboration at the Core

Throughout the development phase of the facility, Dark Horse has prioritized strong collaboration with Kentucky regulators and industry participants, acknowledging the importance of cohesive teamwork in launching a successful medical cannabis operation. The company expresses gratitude towards the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis for its invaluable guidance and oversight and recognizes the Commonwealth's efforts in establishing a robust framework supporting a safe, compliant, and sustainable medical cannabis program.

"Reaching our first harvest in Richmond is a significant milestone, not just for Dark Horse but for Kentucky's medical cannabis program as a whole," stated Casey Flippo, CEO of Gold Leaf Management. "From the outside, it can feel like this process has taken time, especially for patients who have been ready and waiting. However, building a medical cannabis program at this scale necessitates substantial infrastructure, compliance, and coordination. The foundation laid by the Commonwealth, alongside the work of regulators and industry partners, enables us to build something sustainable and reliable for the long term, and we're proud to be contributing to that here in Kentucky."

Moving Forward: Available Products and Future Openings

Following the successful harvest, the Richmond facility has completed production, with products being launched to the market starting January 15 at the grand opening of Speakeasy Dispensary in Lexington. More licensed dispensaries are set to open in the coming days, with Dark Horse products ready for sales at these new venues. As one of the first large-scale cultivators to offer products for sale in Kentucky, Dark Horse maintains a strong focus on consistency, compliance, and operational stability as the state's medical cannabis program continues to develop.

About Dark Horse Cannabis

Dark Horse Cannabis is an esteemed cannabis brand rooted in disciplined cultivation operations within Kentucky. Its focus on compliance, consistency, and long-term responsibility emphasizes the company's dedication to supporting a stable, reliable supply of medical cannabis that communities and patients can trust. Committed to contributing positively to the growth of Kentucky's medical cannabis sector, Dark Horse is poised for continued collaboration, investment, and development in the areas where it operates.