CLARK COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Kentucky took a major step forward in its medical marijuana program Tuesday, as state and local leaders joined Cresco Labs for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at what will soon be one of the state’s largest licensed cannabis cultivation facilities.

Governor Andy Beshear was on hand for the event in Winchester, where Cresco Labs unveiled its plans for the 25,000-square-foot facility. The company’s CEO, Charlie Bachtell, said Phase One of construction is expected to be completed by August, with medical cannabis products anticipated to hit store shelves by December.

“This is something that is very familiar to us,” Bachtell said. “We’ve launched medical programs in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, and we know what it takes to get a new cannabis program off the ground successfully.”

Cresco Labs now operates in nine states following Tuesday’s event. Bachtell said the new site will eventually employ dozens of Kentuckians.

“I think Kentucky did a phenomenal job of looking at how other regulated states have operated and then created a responsible approach tailored to the Commonwealth,” he said.

Kentucky legalized medical marijuana earlier this year, and as of January 1, residents can apply for a medical cannabis card. Governor Beshear called the facility’s opening a key moment in the state’s efforts to provide a safe, regulated, and effective product to patients in need.

“Our number one priority has always been the patient — how quickly and safely we can get them the medical cannabis they need for conditions like PTSD or chronic pain,” Beshear said.

As of Tuesday, state officials report more than 13,000 Kentuckians have received certification for a medical cannabis license. The governor also emphasized that all cultivation employees at the Winchester facility will be Kentucky-based — putting “food on Kentucky tables,” he said.