TUCSON, Ariz. - A medical marijuana facility expansion will add 50 jobs to the Cochise County economy.
According to county officials, Phoenix-based The Pharm will build a 99-acre facility and plant 87,000 square feet of cannabis plants at 8251 N. Ingram Lane in Willcox. The plants will grow outdoors.
The new farm will add to an existing $15 million, 350,000 square feet facility at West Greenhouse Drive.
After starting with a staff of eight to 10 people, the Pharm will staff as many as 50 workers once the new facility is operational.
The county received complaints from neighbors who are concerned about light pollution, security, odor and impact on wildlife
The Pharm responded by saying the odor from the plants will only be particularly strong twice a year, during flowering. Infrared cameras will provide round-the-clock security and the lighting will be well under the allowable levels under the county's light pollution code.
Before construction begins, the Pharm will contact state and federal agencies to clear possible wildlife threats.
County residents have 15 days to appeal the decision to allow the plant to proceed.
