Kentucky Awards First Medical Cannabis License to KCA Labs as State Prepares for Legalization

Nicholasville, Ky. — The first medical cannabis license in Kentucky has been awarded to KCA Labs, a hemp testing laboratory located in Nicholasville. This development comes less than three months before the state officially legalizes medical marijuana on January 1, 2025.

Richard Sams, the scientific director and co-founder of KCA Labs, emphasized the importance of proper testing for marijuana products. All medical marijuana distributed to eligible Kentuckians must undergo safety testing at licensed laboratories like KCA Labs. Sams noted, “Safety is the focus of what we do.” He expressed optimism about Kentucky’s move towards legalizing medical cannabis and said, “I think it’s really important for us to provide that testing service so the end user can rest assured the product they’re consuming meets the state’s requirements.”

KCA Labs will test for potency and contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals, ensuring that products available at dispensaries are safe for consumers. Currently, the lab serves 2,000 clients and employs 18 staff members, with plans to expand as the state’s medical marijuana program develops.

The lottery for licenses for cultivators and processors is set for October 28, 2023, while the lottery for dispensary licenses will likely occur in November. Unlike cultivators and processors, there is no limitation on the number of licenses issued for testing labs, allowing KCA Labs and similar facilities to operate without restriction.

As Kentucky prepares for the legalized sale of medical marijuana, the role of laboratories like KCA Labs will be crucial in establishing a safe and compliant industry.