LEXINGTON, Ky. — It’s been six months since Kentucky legalized medical cannabis licenses in the commonwealth. Since then, two companies have been selected to start businesses in Lexington.

A former Frisch’s Big Boy in Lexington near the Hamburg shopping pavilion could become Fayette County’s first medical cannabis dispensary called the “Speakeasy”. 

Casey Flippo is the chief executive officer of Dark Horse Cannabis, and is working with KYXL Acquisition Company, which holds the state license for the dispensary. 

“Being on the bourbon trail seems appropriate, right? That was back in the twenties. The alcohol industry kind of went through a very similar thing as to where we are with cannabis,” Flippo said. 

He said the journey for Kentucky’s medical cannabis program has been one that is more effective than other states and he credits Kentucky’s office of medical cannabis for their research. 

“They looked at all 37 states that came before it, before Kentucky, and they took all of the positives out of each one of those programs and formed a melting pot of what is the best application to ensure that patients are getting what they need,” Flippo said.  

While many states where cannabis is legal offer a free-market experience, Flippo said that is a challenge for states like Kentucky which are just getting started. 

“With a state-isolated program, there’s just simply not the demand to be able to prop up and support that type of a marketplace place,” he said. “And what you see in those markets is product quality, product consistency and that equilibrium. Once you’re on the back side of that, it starts tanking.” 

It affects those buying the product and creates difficulties long term for companies, Flippo said. 

With Speakeasy, Flippo and business partner Sean Clarkson are focused on the access and needs of those using their products. 

“What that compassionate care program is going to do is for individuals below a certain threshold of household income that are needing this medicine at a higher rate than others due to whatever ailment that they’re working or dealing with,” he said about how they plan to reduce stigmas and or prioritize clients.

Flippo said the company is planning a community-based initiative to help those in the area with philanthropic engagement opportunities. 

The store will open in November.