CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Kentucky’s medical marijuana program has taken a significant step forward with the allocation of the first processing and cultivation licenses.

These licenses will allow select facilities to grow cannabis and process it into products such as gummies.

The state used the Kentucky Lottery to randomly select license winners, seeking fairness in the process. Among the winners, two Northern Kentucky growers were chosen, one located in Bracken County and the other in Grant County.

Matthew Bratcher, executive director of Kentucky NORML, a group advocating for decriminalization of marijuana laws, said he is optimistic about the program’s progress.

“I think everyone is really looking forward to this rollout. Everything seems to be going wonderfully so far. I commend the Office of Medical Cannabis for everything they have done for this process,” Bratcher said.

In total, only 48 dispensary licenses will be issued statewide, with only four going to the nine-county Northern Kentucky region.

The state has received more than 50 license applications from Northern Kentucky and more than 4,000 statewide.