A significant moment for Kentucky’s medical cannabis program and its local workforce.
RICHMOND, Ky., Jan. 16, 2026 — Dark Horse Cannabis has announced the completion of its initial harvest at its licensed Tier III medical cannabis cultivation facility located in Richmond, Kentucky. This facility is owned and operated by Natural State GreenGrass CannaCo, which conducts business as Dark Horse Cannabis.
The harvest, which concluded on Thursday, December 11, signifies a crucial operational achievement as Kentucky’s medical cannabis program progresses from its development phase into active production. As a licensed Tier III cultivation site, the Richmond facility is designed to support large-scale, compliant cultivation, thereby contributing to the fundamental supply infrastructure necessary for a stable, long-term medical cannabis market within the Commonwealth.
The Richmond cultivation facility has generated new employment opportunities in Madison County, engaging a local workforce trained in regulated agricultural operations, compliance standards, and medical cannabis production. The facility underscores a commitment to professional cultivation practices and workforce development as Kentucky establishes its medical cannabis infrastructure.
Earlier this week, Dark Horse commemorated this milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Richmond facility on Wednesday, January 14, welcoming Governor Andy Beshear, industry professionals, and local and state officials. The event acknowledged the facility’s completion and its role in advancing Kentucky’s medical cannabis program from planning to active cultivation and production, while also highlighting the collaborative efforts among regulators, operators, and community partners that made the project feasible.
“From cultivation to dispensaries, every process of the Medical Cannabis program is now up and running in Kentucky and Natural State GreenGrass CannaCo in Richmond is going to build on that progress,” stated Gov. Andy Beshear. “We made a promise to help find relief for Kentuckians suffering from PTSD, cancer and other serious conditions and I am proud to say we’ve delivered. Together, we’ll keep working to make sure every eligible Kentuckian can access safe medical cannabis when they need it.”
Throughout the facility’s development, Dark Horse has maintained close collaboration with Kentucky regulators and industry partners, recognizing the vital role teamwork plays in launching a successful medical cannabis program. The company extends its appreciation to the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis for its guidance and oversight, and to the Commonwealth for establishing a robust framework that supports a safe, compliant, and sustainable medical cannabis program.
“Reaching our first harvest in Richmond is a significant milestone, not just for Dark Horse, but for Kentucky’s medical cannabis program as a whole,” commented Casey Flippo, CEO of Gold Leaf Management. “From the outside, it can feel like this process has taken time, especially for patients who have been ready and waiting, but building a medical cannabis program at this scale requires significant infrastructure, compliance, and coordination. The foundation the Commonwealth has put in place, along with the work of regulators and industry partners, is what makes it possible to build something sustainable and reliable for the long term, and we’re proud to be contributing to that here in Kentucky.”
With the initial harvest now complete, the Richmond cultivation facility has finalized production and successfully introduced its product to the market beginning January 15, coinciding with the grand opening of Speakeasy Dispensary in Lexington. Additional licensed dispensaries are scheduled to open in the coming days, offering Dark Horse product at their launch. Dark Horse is among the first large-scale cultivators to have products available for sale in Kentucky and remains committed to consistency, compliance, and long-term operational stability as the state’s medical cannabis program continues to evolve.
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Wendy Brown
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Gold Leaf Management
About Dark Horse Cannabis
Dark Horse Cannabis is a cannabis brand focused on meticulous cultivation operations in Kentucky. Prioritizing compliance, consistency, and long-term responsibility, Dark Horse approaches cultivation with the goal of supporting a stable, reliable medical cannabis supply that patients and communities can trust. The company is dedicated to contributing positively to the Commonwealth’s medical cannabis industry through responsible operations, collaboration, and ongoing investment in the communities where it operates.
SOURCE Dark Horse Cannabis