LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Two years after Arkansas voters legalized medical marijuana Little Rock is seeing the first signs of businesses ready to capitalize on the budding industry.

What could be one of the first testing labs, Steep Hill, is ready to open in the city.

The state requires product from both growers and dispensaries to be tested at an independent lab. That’s where Steep Hill comes in.

“I’m really glad we’re getting there,” said Brandon Thornton, who’s been overseeing the lab. “What we’re trying to do is make sure that patients are getting a safe product.”

Steep Hill’s lab is where marijuana plants and products will go through a series of tests to make sure they’re safe before they can be used to fill a prescription.

“We’ve got to make sure that we’re doing everything right so we can get accurate results,” Thornton added.

With all the lab equipment ready and waiting to be used, the only hurdle left is getting the green light from the state. Steep Hill is finishing its permitting process with the Department of Health.

The Arkansas Medical Marijuana Commission is set to announce which 32 applicants will get a dispensary license December 19.