New York: County Leaders Endorse Marijuana Growing Plans

Jacob Redmond

Well-Known Member
Warren County Supervisers voted in support of Amy and Hillary Peckham's proposal to develop a marijuana-growing facility south of Chestertown, an operation that is expected to provide dozens of well-paying, stable jobs in the northern sector of the county.

The unanimous vote was cast by the supervisors following a detailed presentation of plans by Hillary Peckham, 23, and her mother Amy - the wife of John Peckham, CEO of Peckham Industries. The firm operates a gravel quarry across state Rte. 9 from where the marijuana-growing and processing plant would be located, about one mile south of Chestertown. The operation, independent of Peckham Industries, would be operated by Etain, Inc. - led by Hillary and Amy Peckham.

Hillary Peckham's presentation focused on the anticipated public benefits of the operation, which include creating 25 to 30 jobs and providing substantial new tax revenue for the town, as well as offering patients relief from chronic pain and alleviating symptoms of a variety of medical conditions.

New York State is poised to award five licenses statewide to grow and dispense medical marijuana, in a competitive bid process. Hillary Peckham said she expected 80 or more proposals to surface in the next few months, and about 20 of these would be serious contenders for these licenses.

The county board's endorsement is expected to be an important factor in the state giving serious consideration to the Peckham's proposal, which Chester Supervisor Fred Monroe and others say has a good chance for state approval, considering Gov. Cuomo's interest in stimulating eco-friendly industries and boosting jobs in the Adirondacks.

Details of the licensing and permitting haven't yet been determined by the state. The Peckhams estimated that the license applications would be due about May 1.

The Peckhams' initial plans call for the growing and processing to be conducted inside in an existing barn measuring about 7,500 square feet, plus in a one-story warehouse-type building to be constructed adjacent to it. The operation would produce marijuana extract in both oil and pill form. The state is mandating that each successful licensee operate four dispensaries, likely spread out regionally. These would be operating under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist certified to dispense medical marijuana.

Amy Peckham said that the state hasn't yet announced requirements for location of the dispensaries. Hillary Peckham said that Etain's dispensaries would likely be located along the Hudson River corridor, and one might be located in the county. Medical marijuana would only be dispensed to patients who had specific diseases and syndromes, and they'd meet strict qualifications. She said that the Chester operation would be required to be able grow and process enough marijuana to supply 1,900 patients with the end product.

County To Obtain Revenue From Operation

If Etain is chosen for a license, Warren County could reap considerable benefits, Hillary Peckham said. Sales of the marijuana will be subject to a 7 percent excise tax – and the counties hosting the marijuana production plants are to receive 22.5 percent of this tax, and the county where it is dispensed is to get another 22.5 percent. The state is likely to keep the rest of the excise tax.

Responding to questions from supervisors, Hillary and Amy Peckham said the facility would have tight security and be patrolled. The marijuana products would be stored in vaults, they said, adding that all employees would be subjected to background checks conducted by the F.B.I..

Queensbury Supervisor-at-large Rachel Seeber suggested the Peckhams consult with county Undersheriff Shawn Lamouree and advise him about their security plans, and they talked with him minutes after the meeting ended.

Glens Falls 3rd Ward Supervisor Bud Taylor expressed concern that people feigning illnesses would obtain marijuana for recreational use, which he said he opposes.

Hillary and Amy Peckham said that only people with specified, documented medical conditions could receive the marijuana products - available only by prescription - and doctors would not likely risk their licenses by prescribing to those who didn't really need it for a medical condition.

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Full Article: Warren County leaders endorse marijuana-growing plans - Denpubs.com
Author: Thom Randall
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