One of Kentucky’s Largest Marijuana Facilities Opens in Winchester

23 April 2025

Cresco Labs has opened one of the state’s first Tier III cultivation facilities—a $15 million, 25,000-square-foot operation in Winchester. The move is set to expand access to medical marijuana in Kentucky by late 2025, offering new opportunities for patients and businesses alike.

Key Impact for Kentucky Patients and Cannabis Businesses

For Patients:

• Greater availability of medical cannabis for chronic pain, PTSD, and other qualifying conditions
• First medical cannabis products expected by the end of 2025
• Need for updated medical cannabis certification to access products

For Cannabis Entrepreneurs and Dispensaries:

• Expanded supply chain for Kentucky cannabis dispensaries
• Rising demand for ancillary services like cannabis testing
• Competitive licensing environment under close state scrutiny

Facility Highlights: A Major Milestone for Medical Marijuana in Kentucky

Cresco Labs' new site, built inside a former ammunition plant, is one of only two Tier III cultivation licenses issued in Kentucky. It is expected to:

• Produce up to 2,000 pounds of medical cannabis per month
• Employ up to 100 full-time workers
• Implement pharmaceutical-grade cultivation practices

While the launch marks a major step for the cannabis industry in Kentucky, oversight remains a top concern, after the state Auditor Allison Ball has launched an investigation into the licensing process, raising concerns about transparency and fairness.