Medical marijuana plant in Stellarton to create up to 300 jobs

An Ontario-based entrepreneur plans to bring large-scale medical marijuana production to Stellarton, N.S.

Vida Cannabis Corp. will be setting up their operation in the old 315,000-square foot Clairtone Sound Corporation building on Acadia Avenue.

Greg Wilson, CEO of Vida Cannabis Corp., said his company will invest between $4 million and $5 million to secure and convert a portion of the building for marijuana production. 

At last count, Health Canada said there are 37,359 people with authorization to possess marijuana in Canada.

Wilson hopes the business will compete with nine other medical marijuana facilities already established in Canada. 

"We can source our seeds from anywhere in the world. We're looking at places like California that have a very good reputation in terms of the quality of their seeds," said Wilson. 

"With the team we've put together, with the source of those quality seeds from places like California, we're very confident that we'll be able to compete with our premium quality product at a very high level."

Joe Gennoe, Stellarton’s mayor, supports the new business. 

'As things change, we too must adapt'

"We are delighted to see the old Clairtone factory be put back into production, albeit in an industry I never could have imagined even five years ago," he said.

"As things change we, too must adapt. Health Canada has established policies and procedures that ensure the legal production of medical marijuana is secure.

"We welcome Vida Cannabis to bring much needed employment opportunities back to the Town of Stellarton and support their efforts."

Wilson said Vida Cannabis must have its facility renovated and in place before it can apply for a cultivation license from Health Canada. 

He plans to start production in the fall with 20 to 30 employees. 

Wilson hopes the facility will eventually employ between 200 and 300 people.  

In terms of security of the facility, Wilson described it as a "virtual fortress" is a news release. 

The building is constructed with windowless 5.5-metre high concrete walls. There's only one access point.

"In keeping with Health Canada requirements for licensing of medical marijuana production facilities, intrusion detection systems, round-the-clock surveillance and other minor security-related alterations will be implemented by Vida," said Wilson.