Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
Supervisors in both Warren and Washington counties gave their blessings Friday to plans to start medical marijuana growing operations in their respective counties.
Warren County supervisors heard from and questioned representatives of the Peckham family, who hope to open a plant on property they own on Route 9 in Chester. Meanwhile, Washington County officials hashed out concerns raised in previous committee meetings.
Hartford Supervisor Dana Haff asked that the county, in endorsing Ted Berndt and Stephen Lulla of Compassionate Relief Centers of New York, make an amendment to the resolution noting Washington County ranks 57th out of 57 counties outside New York City in the collection of sales tax per capita.
"Washington County really needs this increased revenue that this facility could potentially bring," said Haff.
Haff also informed the board Warren County is ranked number one in the collection of sales tax per capita.
Berndt and Lulla were in attendance, but were not asked any questions by supervisors before they unanimously approved the measure.
The plant would operate at 15 Plains Road, Jackson, the previous site of a mushroom growing operation. Berndt said previously the operation could have seeds in the ground within 60 days of receiving approval from the state.
Representatives of the Peckham family explained to Warren County supervisors they want to set up an operation that would employ up to 30 people and provide medical marijuana-related products to up to 1,900 people in the region.
The county has no regulatory authority over the business, but the board's approval lends support to the business as it seeks a state license.
The state will award just five licenses to operate growing facilities in the state.
The Peckham family's company, Etain, would grow marijuana, process it and store it at a secured site.
The Peckhams operate Peckham Materials, which has a factory across Route 9 from the proposed marijuana business.
Warren County supervisors asked a number of questions about the operation, including whether it would be a target of criminals and what security measures would be taken.
Haff told Washington County supervisors that securing the plant is a requirement of the state.
The proposed site in Washington County is already built and has a security fence surrounding it. Peckham said sufficient security would be in place at their Warren County site.
The Peckham family was motivated to get into the business after family members were stricken with illnesses whose symptoms could have been helped by medical marijuana, including the active ingredient in marijuana, THC.
One relative who has ALS wouldn't break the law and use marijuana, despite her symptoms, Peckham said.
"We really want to get into this business because we have an emotional connection," Peckham said.
Glens Falls 3rd Ward Supervisor Harold "Bud" Taylor questioned whether use of medical marijuana would result in others abusing the drug. Peckham said that was not believed to be an issue.
Queensbury at-Large Supervisor Doug Beaty questioned how the business could make a profit with high operations costs and just an estimated 1,900 customers.
"Just from a business standpoint, that's not a lot of customers," Beaty said.
Peckham said the number of regional customers for the business could grow to as high as 5,000, and that the business would work with the estimated customer base.
Warren County's vote was also unanimous.
"I hope this will be a high in your professional business career," Lake George Supervisor Dennis Dickinson said, prompting laughs from those in attendance.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Local counties back pot plans
Author: Don Lehman and Christina Scanlon
Contact: dlehman@poststar.com
Photo Credit: Reuters
Website: PostStar.com - Glens Falls, Saratoga, Lake George NY area news
Warren County supervisors heard from and questioned representatives of the Peckham family, who hope to open a plant on property they own on Route 9 in Chester. Meanwhile, Washington County officials hashed out concerns raised in previous committee meetings.
Hartford Supervisor Dana Haff asked that the county, in endorsing Ted Berndt and Stephen Lulla of Compassionate Relief Centers of New York, make an amendment to the resolution noting Washington County ranks 57th out of 57 counties outside New York City in the collection of sales tax per capita.
"Washington County really needs this increased revenue that this facility could potentially bring," said Haff.
Haff also informed the board Warren County is ranked number one in the collection of sales tax per capita.
Berndt and Lulla were in attendance, but were not asked any questions by supervisors before they unanimously approved the measure.
The plant would operate at 15 Plains Road, Jackson, the previous site of a mushroom growing operation. Berndt said previously the operation could have seeds in the ground within 60 days of receiving approval from the state.
Representatives of the Peckham family explained to Warren County supervisors they want to set up an operation that would employ up to 30 people and provide medical marijuana-related products to up to 1,900 people in the region.
The county has no regulatory authority over the business, but the board's approval lends support to the business as it seeks a state license.
The state will award just five licenses to operate growing facilities in the state.
The Peckham family's company, Etain, would grow marijuana, process it and store it at a secured site.
The Peckhams operate Peckham Materials, which has a factory across Route 9 from the proposed marijuana business.
Warren County supervisors asked a number of questions about the operation, including whether it would be a target of criminals and what security measures would be taken.
Haff told Washington County supervisors that securing the plant is a requirement of the state.
The proposed site in Washington County is already built and has a security fence surrounding it. Peckham said sufficient security would be in place at their Warren County site.
The Peckham family was motivated to get into the business after family members were stricken with illnesses whose symptoms could have been helped by medical marijuana, including the active ingredient in marijuana, THC.
One relative who has ALS wouldn't break the law and use marijuana, despite her symptoms, Peckham said.
"We really want to get into this business because we have an emotional connection," Peckham said.
Glens Falls 3rd Ward Supervisor Harold "Bud" Taylor questioned whether use of medical marijuana would result in others abusing the drug. Peckham said that was not believed to be an issue.
Queensbury at-Large Supervisor Doug Beaty questioned how the business could make a profit with high operations costs and just an estimated 1,900 customers.
"Just from a business standpoint, that's not a lot of customers," Beaty said.
Peckham said the number of regional customers for the business could grow to as high as 5,000, and that the business would work with the estimated customer base.
Warren County's vote was also unanimous.
"I hope this will be a high in your professional business career," Lake George Supervisor Dennis Dickinson said, prompting laughs from those in attendance.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Local counties back pot plans
Author: Don Lehman and Christina Scanlon
Contact: dlehman@poststar.com
Photo Credit: Reuters
Website: PostStar.com - Glens Falls, Saratoga, Lake George NY area news
