Post by admin on Aug 22, 2014 8:24:59 GMT -5
Innisfil medical marijuana facility proposed for Cookstown area
Operation would be low-key, AlternaMedz promises
Marijuana
Torstar photo
Innisfil Journal
By Rick Vanderlinde
You won’t even know it’s there — that’s what George Ragogna promises about his company’s proposed medical marijuana facility.
Medical marijuana just another type...
New Tecumseth backs industrial...Ragogna of AlternaMedz Canada Inc. is the midst of receiving Health Canada approvals for a $2.5 million operation that will produce marijuana for the prescription market.
“It will be very subtle,” Ragogna told the Journal from his Markham office. “There won’t be any big signs or anything.”
The facility will be housed in a 26,000-square-foot industrial building in the Cookstown area. There are no residential homes in the immediate area.
“It’s in a prime area for us because it is close to major highways,” he said. “The building fits our floor plan.”
Ragogna does not want to publicize the exact location for security reasons.
“Security is a major part of the business and something the federal government looks at,” he said. “There will be a large perimeter fence around the building.”
Health Canada regulations also call for zero emissions, meaning the pungent aroma of marijuana will be contained within the building.
Ragogna said the company would employ about 30 people, with at least half of the staff working in an office environment.
“Much of the work we do will be adhering to strict Health Canada regulations,” Ragogna said. “We are creating a company from ground zero that is heavily regulated.”
Innisfil council will consider a proposed medical marijuana facility bylaw at its Sept. 3 meeting.
“Once we get approvals, we could be up and running within six months,” Ragogna said. “A city planner has told me our location is a good spot.”
Medical marijuana facilities get their clientele through patients who have prescriptions from a doctor. The product is shipped to the clients through Canada Post’s registered mail. There is no storefront and the general public does not have access to the production facility. Medical marijuana producers grow several varieties that have specific properties to treat different ailments.
For instance, Happy Feet is described as a light and energetic neuropathic pain relieving cannabis that increases motivation and productivity.
Building a medical marijuana facility takes millions of dollars in up front capital from investors, Ragogna said.
While the market for medical marijuana is robust, the facilities operate in a free-market environment and compete against other producers.
“There is still a little bit of a risk,” Ragogna said. “There is no guarantee you’re product is going to be picked over your competitors.”
Ragogna said he hopes to make AlternaMedz an integral part of Innisfil’s business community.
“There is no stigma. I think the Canadian public are really onside with medical marijuana.”
There is a medical marijuana facility called Peace Naturals Project in Clearview. However, the company’s website shows that all 20 of its varieties are temporarily sold out.
Operation would be low-key, AlternaMedz promises
Marijuana
Torstar photo
Innisfil Journal
By Rick Vanderlinde
You won’t even know it’s there — that’s what George Ragogna promises about his company’s proposed medical marijuana facility.
Medical marijuana just another type...
New Tecumseth backs industrial...Ragogna of AlternaMedz Canada Inc. is the midst of receiving Health Canada approvals for a $2.5 million operation that will produce marijuana for the prescription market.
“It will be very subtle,” Ragogna told the Journal from his Markham office. “There won’t be any big signs or anything.”
The facility will be housed in a 26,000-square-foot industrial building in the Cookstown area. There are no residential homes in the immediate area.
“It’s in a prime area for us because it is close to major highways,” he said. “The building fits our floor plan.”
Ragogna does not want to publicize the exact location for security reasons.
“Security is a major part of the business and something the federal government looks at,” he said. “There will be a large perimeter fence around the building.”
Health Canada regulations also call for zero emissions, meaning the pungent aroma of marijuana will be contained within the building.
Ragogna said the company would employ about 30 people, with at least half of the staff working in an office environment.
“Much of the work we do will be adhering to strict Health Canada regulations,” Ragogna said. “We are creating a company from ground zero that is heavily regulated.”
Innisfil council will consider a proposed medical marijuana facility bylaw at its Sept. 3 meeting.
“Once we get approvals, we could be up and running within six months,” Ragogna said. “A city planner has told me our location is a good spot.”
Medical marijuana facilities get their clientele through patients who have prescriptions from a doctor. The product is shipped to the clients through Canada Post’s registered mail. There is no storefront and the general public does not have access to the production facility. Medical marijuana producers grow several varieties that have specific properties to treat different ailments.
For instance, Happy Feet is described as a light and energetic neuropathic pain relieving cannabis that increases motivation and productivity.
Building a medical marijuana facility takes millions of dollars in up front capital from investors, Ragogna said.
While the market for medical marijuana is robust, the facilities operate in a free-market environment and compete against other producers.
“There is still a little bit of a risk,” Ragogna said. “There is no guarantee you’re product is going to be picked over your competitors.”
Ragogna said he hopes to make AlternaMedz an integral part of Innisfil’s business community.
“There is no stigma. I think the Canadian public are really onside with medical marijuana.”
There is a medical marijuana facility called Peace Naturals Project in Clearview. However, the company’s website shows that all 20 of its varieties are temporarily sold out.