Medical marijuana company considers Ontario for facility

The City of Ontario’s economic development committee met with Tracy and Mission Partners CEO Andrew Thut Thursday, May 25 while weighing whether or not to approve an Ontario location.

“I realize this is a big decision,” said Mark Weidemyre, 3rd Ward Councilman. “It’s not something we want to rush through.”

The meeting, which was open to the public, drew a crowd. Ten to 15 people voiced their concerns, some in favor and some against bringing a medical marijuana cultivation facility to the area. Even more called committee members before the meeting.

Ontario School Superintendent Lisa Carmichael attended the meeting, and expressed concern about the well-being of the district’s 2,000 students.

“My fear is that this facility would be extremely counteractive to all of our efforts,” she said, citing DARE and other programs. “Our kids are so proud to say, ‘I’m drug free, and it’s the way to be.’”

Next school year, she said the substance abuse prevention program coordinator will become a full-time staff member.

“I’m afraid that having a medical marijuana facility in Ontario that it would distract families and children from coming into our school system,” Carmichael stated.

Ontario resident Craig Hunt argued the facility offers too many economic benefits to be turned away.

“I hope we could educate our kids to know what’s right and what’s wrong,” he said seemingly in response to Carmichael.

The facility would employ 43 people, according to Tracy. That total would include eight security staff members, one director of safety and a state compliance officer.

He continued to address some security concerns by saying all employees would undergo a criminal background check and other security measures. He noted the marijuana is monitored through “seed to sale tracking,” to ensure none is taken along the way.

“Ohio has tighter product controls here than in other states,” Tracy said.

It would take an initial $6 million investment for the company moved into Ontario. Tracy said he had a few locations in mind, but hadn’t settled on one yet. The company is also considering Columbus or Coshocton, Ohio.

4Front Ventures already has 50 licenses in six different states and Washington D.C.

However, Carmichael and others at the meeting also expressed concerns about the image of Ontario.

“I don’t want my hometown known for one of the farms (cultivation facilities),” a retired teacher said.

Tracey, however, wasn’t discouraged by some of the opinions shared at the meeting

“In these sort of settings, you tend to bring out the most passionate people on both sides of the issue,” Tracy said. “I feel like these meetings tend to be really polarized.

Earlier this year, the Richland Source reported Richland Community Prayer Network Coordinator Benjamin Mutti organized a resistance in response to another company considering an Ontario location. A letter, signed by 70 county clergymen, opposed the “harvesting and sale of medical marijuana in municipalities and townships within Richland County.”

The Cleveland-based company, which approached Ontario in early 2017, is no longer looking at Ontario as a location.

Before 4Front Ventures could come into Ontario it needs to fill out an application for a license. The acceptance period for the level of license 4Front Ventures needs is June 30. Only 24 licenses, 12 in two different levels, will be issued.

The nonrefundable fee for Level I applicants like 4Front Ventures is $20,000.

Mission Partners, which also had a representative at the meeting, is a medical marijuana company that often provides leadership advice to developing companies in this market.

Meanwhile, Second Ward Councilwoman Michele Webb said the group is “in the process of creating legislation that would not allow a dispensary in Ontario.”

Though council is considering the cultivation facility, where the marijuana is grown, she said a dispensary isn’t something wanted for the city.

credit:richlandsource.com