A Massachusetts company would like to set up a medical marijuana growing operation on Sunbury Generation property in Shamokin Dam.
Representatives of Green Park Management rolled out their proposal to the Borough Council on this week, including a tentative plan to lease a few acres along the Susquehanna River to set up a growing facility.
"It is very preliminary," borough manager Ed Hovenstine said of the company’s pitch to open a business that would employ 50.
Green Park Management is among an estimated 900 firms expected to apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Health for permits to grow and sell marijuana for medical purposes. A total of 12 permits for growing marijuana and 27 permits for dispensaries will be available. The month-long application process runs through March 20.
The cost to apply is steep. Prospective growers must pay a nonrefundable $10,000 fee plus a $200,000 refundable permit fee if the permit is denied and proof of a $2 million line of credit. Applicants for a dispensary permit are required to pay a nonrefundable $5,000 application fee, a $30,000 permit fee that will be waived if the permit is declined and proof of $150,000 in capital.
"They’re confident they can put together a good package," said Hovenstine.
Steve Reilly, a Springfield Mass. attorney representing Green Park Management, said the Shamokin Dam location is ideal for the firm that has experience in similar operations in Massachusetts, Colorado and Illinois.
Reilly referred other queries to Peter Komassa, the company’s chief financial officer, who was not immediately available.
Borough president Dave Herbert said the council members responded positively to the proposal.
"We couldn’t stand in their way, but there is nothing negative about it," he said.
Several companies have expressed interest in opening a medical marijuana growing operation or dispensary in the Valley since Pennsylvania legalized medical marijuana. It is one of 28 states allowing the plant to be used to relieve the symptoms of certain medical maladies.
CannaMed Green Inc., of East Stroudsburg, has expressed an interest in purchasing the Colonial Furniture manufacturing facility in Freeburg and setting up a marijuana growing plant and Medical Marijuana Corp. in Northumberland County is applying for a permit to operate a local dispensary.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Massachusetts Firm Eyes Marijuana Operation In Shamokin Dam
Author: Marcia Moore
Contact: 570-286-5671
Photo Credit: The Daily Item
Website: The Daily Item
