Brookville Things may soon be growing in Jefferson County. This growth is not traditional however. This growth involves the cultivation of medical marijuana.
Tuesday, the Jefferson County Commissioners revealed that Global Resource Operations of Nashville, Tenn., was interested in a 25 acre parcel in the Sunnyside Industrial Park in Ringgold Township, about 10 miles west of Punxsutawney.
Jefferson County Commissioner Jack Matson said Global is a leader in the industry and has been in business for 10 years in California and Colorado.
Matson said the medical marijuana greenhouse would be a boost for the local economy. With coal, gas and lumber down, we need to look at other areas of growth, he said. Global would employ about 30 people with a starting annual salary of $30,000. Only 12 permits will be issued by the state.
Matson described Globals proposed operation as seed to sale. He said that Global believes in the natural approach and no chemicals would be used.
Matson said he was also impressed by the security measures employed by Global. He said there would be guards at all times and the entire facility would be enclosed by two bands of fencing.
They would use armed guards when transporting the product, he said.
Matson said the state is regulating licensing of the marijuana growers. The license fee is $230,000 and if the applicant is unsuccessful, the state retains $30,000.
Jefferson County Director of Economic Development Brad Lashinsky said Global would benefit the development of Sunnyside.
Matson said the applications must be submitted in mid-March and it is expected that licenses will be awarded in May. The greenhouse would be up and running six months after the award of the bid.
The use of medical marijuana became law in April, 2016.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Medical Marijuana Growing Facility Proposed For County
Author: Randy Bartley
Contact: Courier Express
Photo Credit: Justin Sullivan
Website: Courier Express
