LOUISVILLE, Ky. — As Kentucky’s medical marijuana program gets up and running, businesses that will be needed in that industry are taking an interest in the Commonwealth.

This week the Lucky Leaf Expo, focused on the marijuana industry, took place at the Kentucky International Expo Center in Louisville. It gave those attending and exhibiting the chance to see where they might find their next business venture.

The two-day event showcased several types of industries that go beyond manufacturing or selling marijuana. That includes packaging for products, backend business and inventory management software and hired security services.

“You know, they’ve been like, ‘oh I didn’t even, I didn’t even think about that side of the business,’ that that’s needed. And that could be a product that you could sell to, to these companies. So that’s [why] we’re down here to help people out and get them what they need as far as the world of packaging goes,” said Jack Worrall, an account executive at the Stephen Gould Corporation. Worrall’s company produces product packaging.

Around the corner from him, Kentucky native Justin Goods said his company, Flowhub, is very interested in expanding its footprint into the state.   

Kentucky native Justin Goods works for Flowhub, a technology company focused on the cannabis industry (Spectrum News 1/Mason Brighton)

“Every operator, whether they’re a retailer, manufacturer or cultivator, they have to track and trace everything that they do within the system,” Goode said.

He added to work in the cannabis industry; he had to move out of state. With the state’s medicinal use program, he now has a chance to be part of the Commonwealth’s new industry sector.

“The fact that I’m able to be in my home state to talk to people about cannabis, it’s a moment that I never thought would happen. So I’m super excited about it, and I’m looking forward to the future in Kentucky,” Goode said.

Also in attendance of the expo is the advocacy group Kentucky Cannabis Freedom Coalition. Founder Patrick Dunegan said while it supports the state’s legalization of medical cannabis, he still wants to see full decriminalization happen. Dunegan added having this expo here is a positive for the state.

“I’m excited. It’s you know, there’s a lot of events that focus around cannabis reform, but this is probably one of the biggest that I’ve seen,” Dunegan said.

As of late May, no dispensaries are open in Kentucky. Current estimates show some may be operational by fall 2025.