ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority has selected an operator for a conditional approval to put it on a path to become the sole licensed pharmaceutical processor of medical cannabis for a region of Virginia that includes the entire Shenandoah Valley.The publication Virginia Business reported that AYR Virginia was the company selected to serve the region. If they meet the requirements necessary to obtain a pharmaceutical processor permit, the company will be free to cultivate cannabis plants, produce marijuana products and sell to qualified medical marijuana patients.

According to a news release from the Cannabis Control Authority, AYR Virginia plans to open a medical cannabis facility near Winchester that may also serve Charlottesville and Fredericksburg.

AYR Virginia is subsidiary of AYR Wellness, which is a cannabis operator in eight states. They will have a year to meet all requirements necessary to obtain the permit.