Randy Tucker | Cincinnati Enquirer

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Medical marijuana can now start growing in Ohio.

The state of Ohio has issued its first certificate of operation to a medical marijuana cultivator in Ravenna in Portage County, according to a spokeswoman for the Ohio Department of Commerce.

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FN Group Holdings, which was one 25 cultivators to receive provisional licenses to grow medical marijuana in Ohio, was awarded the certificate of operation Friday after having its facility inspected on Tuesday.

FN Group is one of 12 so-called "Level 2" growers that received provisional licenses from the state to grow medical marijuana in up to 3,000 square feet of space.

Thirteen Level 1 growers have received provisional licenses to grow in up to 25,000 square feet.

But so far, FN Group - which will do business as Wellspring Fields - is the only cultivator to receive a certificate to operate - the final step before planting can begin.

About a half-dozen more inspections, which could lead to the issuance of more certificates to operate, are scheduled over the next two months.

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While the regulatory framework for Ohio's medical marijuana program must be established by Sept. 8, the availability of medical marijuana for patients depends on how fast growers can plant, harvest and process marijuana for sell in licensed dispensaries.

The state acknowledged earlier this month that none of the 25 cultivators licensed to grow medical marijuana in Ohio were ready to begin planting in time to meet the anticipated Sept. 8 start date.

But it could be available soon after the start date, according to least one expert.

"If plants are in the ground by the end of the month or beginning of July, you could have product by the middle or end of September,'' said Nick Hice, one of the founders of Denver Relief Consulting, a nationally recognized marijuana consulting firm.

Medical marijuana will be available to registered patients who get recommendations from their doctors. The drug can be used to treat 21 qualifying medical conditions, including cancer, Crohn's disease, epilepsy and other seizure disorders.

Before the product can be made available to patients, it must be tested for quality and safety at a licensed testing facility.

The historically black Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and Hocking College in Nelsonville were recently granted provisional licenses to operate, the commerce department also said Friday.

The universities were among nine applicants for licenses for testing facilities, which also must be inspected and certified by the state.