Marijuana facility request
By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor
With the legalization of medical cannabis, suppliers are looking for good locations close to markets and good transportation. Wheatland County is seeing increased interest by companies to locate their plants here.
On Jan. 9, Theo Muran, president of Sensi Cann, asked Wheatland County council to approve his proposal for a medical cannabis production facility located near the new Goldfinch community near Speargrass.
The company will be growing plants and producing oral oils and topical ointments. Sales will not be onsite, but through authorized distributors and online to their patients.
“We are a socially and ecofriendly cannabis cultivator with a passion for alternative medication. We are a group of trusted Albertans with various expertise looking to improve the lives of others,” said Muran. “We want to add to Wheatland County’s long and proud agricultural history and create new opportunities in agribusiness.”
In December 2017, the company staged some community engagement to familiarize residents with their proposals. Muran said they were well received, invited into people’s homes and gaining good feedback from their visits.
“It is good to hear some of the stigma around medical cannabis is dissipating and people are recognizing the incredible benefits of this plant,” he said.
Muran has personal experience with the healing properties of cannabis. He was badly injured in a vehicle accident. Use of the plant helped him recover from spinal injuries and regain his mobility. He said it is what motivates him to provide that opportunity for others.
The company still has a few hurdles to clear before council approves the facility.
The company is still two months away from Health Canada licensing, and there are many studies awaiting completion such as waste management, geotechnical reports, environmental site assessment, traffic impact studies, water and waste reports, and storm water management. They are also asking for a direct control re-designation as Wheatland County has specified these types of plants be located in the industrial area. Sensi Cann is hoping to be included in the new Goldfinch area structure plan and land use bylaw.
The company has completed wetland and biophysical studies, and the building plan avoids any wetland areas. The plant will use geothermal and solar energy. They are hoping to tap into Western Irrigation District resources for water, or utilize a well or trucked water for the plant.
They have spoken with Ducks Unlimited about wildlife preservation on the property.
Traffic is expected to be limited to employees and one delivery truck per day.
Muran said that venting specifications are to Health Canada standards, and the plant will not produce noxious odours.
Fencing, video and 24-hour security is required by Health Canada for licensing, and Muran said they have complied with Level 10 security initiatives suggested.
“We want to reduce as much of our footprint as possible,” said Muran. “We want to check all the boxes to be sure we aren’t affecting the environment around us.”
The facility will also add to county tax coffers. Expectations for production will be about 7,000 kg per year. They will employ 45 people for the facility and will be supporting drug education initiatives.