HOPKINS/WEBSTER CO., Ky. (WFIE) – The medical cannabis industry in Kentucky is growing , especially in the western part of the state.
On Tuesday, Governor Andy Beshear joined local leaders for the ribbon cutting at a new Tier One medical cannabis cultivator in the Hopkins and Webster County area.
“Slaughter Branch” is on Nebo Road in Providence.
A number of growing facilities and dispensaries have opened across the state of Kentucky after Governor Beshear signed an executive order to legalize medial cannabis back in 2023. It became legal in 2025.
Two dispensaries have opened in western Kentucky counties in the last year.
The Governor says medical marijuana has had a positive impact on Kentuckians.
“You see people who are nauseous all day long and could not be there with their families while going through cancer that now can be present,” says Gov. Beshear. “Not knowing how long they might have, hope hoping they get to the other side, but knowing that every minute is precious and this be something that they could be there – that they could be with their kids – that they could enjoy those moments. Those are the stories that I get to hear.”
“Slaughter Branch” is a Tier 1 facility, which is around 2,500 square feet. Officials say it’s ideal for small-scale growers or startups.
Hopkins County Judge Executive Jack Whitfield says this is a topic that hit close to home.
“I’ve got a twin sister that’s got MS. And when you see the effects that that can have on somebody so dear to you that you spent your entire life with, and you realize there may be something that we can grow, not making a lap that will help them. That’s natural and that can remove a lot of the other drugs you may take for some of these conditions. When it becomes personal, it becomes real and it becomes important,” Whitfield said.
Officials with the plant say they are about a week from their first harvest and a month from their first product being sold.
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