LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Kentucky's auditor will launch an investigation into the state's Office of Medical Cannabis and the Medical Cannabis Program.
Auditor Allison Ball said in a statement Thursday her office has "continued to receive complaints" about how the office conducted the lottery process that awarded medical cannabis business licenses.
"Kentuckians should have confidence that state offices operate with transparency and integrity, and my office is committed to ensuring those standards," Ball said.
The auditor's office said it will start its investigation by looking into the business license application and award processes.
Earlier this year, a WDRB investigation into Kentucky's medical cannabis rollout found nearly 90% of the medical marijuana license lottery winners in the state are from out of state.
Some applicants raised concerns about those companies not based in Kentucky finding loopholes in state regulations to control the state's market.
On Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear stood by the state's decision to award the licenses through a lottery, and said he believes any other process would have been stopped by lawsuits.
More Kentucky Medical Marijuana Coverage:
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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear advocates for gun rights of medical marijuana users
How long will patients have to wait for medical marijuana in Kentucky?
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