Pubdate: Mon, 03 Feb 2014
Source: Middletown Press, The (CT)
Copyright: 2014 The Middletown Press
Contact:  http://www.middletownpress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/586
Author: Alex Gecan

FOCUS IS ON 'SAFE PRODUCTION'

Portland Owners Putting Emphasis on Research

PORTLAND - An East Hampton witch hazel distiller and a Northford 
organic farmer will join industry experts from across the country to 
build one of the first four medical marijuana production facilities 
in the state.

The state Department of Consumer Protection last week announced that 
Connecticut Pharmaceutical Solutions, LLC, will receive one of four 
licenses to become a medical marijuana producer.

Thomas Schultz, the president of CPS and vice president of East 
Hampton-based American Distilling, said the prospector will set up 
shop at 47 Main St. in Portland, a piece of private land zoned for 
manufacturing.

"At the time that the state was asking for applications, the state 
asked that we have a site which could show that we had local approval 
to go forward with the project," said Schultz. "Portland was simply 
interested in the prospect and gave us the green light with respect 
to zoning approvals."

He said that, for now at least, the company did not intend to alter 
the building's footprint.

Portland First Selectwoman Susan Bransfield confirmed that the 
building, which is located in an industrial zone under the Arrigoni 
Bridge, "was already approved and used previously for manufacturing."

She said the town had already issued the production facility a zoning permit.

"We have an internal medical consultant who will recommend to us the 
types of products that we will try to grow," said Schultz, stressing 
that the operation would adhere to state recommendations for 
pharmaceutical production. "What's important is, from a 
pharmaceutical point of view, is that these products are produced in 
a safe way and a way that is replicable-so that, if we find a 
medication that is effective, we can produce exactly the same thing, 
in exactly the same way."

Schultz said it would be premature to speculate about pricing.

According to CPS' application, Corey Hollister, Ellis Smith and 
Dustin Shroyer of American Cannabis Consulting will lend their 
expertise to the operation. Dr. Allen Shackleford, an expert on 
palliative marijuana, will direct research. Shakleford and ACC are 
based out of Denver, Colo.

Schultz said that "we expect to have an array of products," but 
deferred to the consultants to determine whether CPS would produce 
edible products, tinctures or extracts.

Schultz said that CPS was not currently interested in applying for a 
dispensary license, and had no intentions of pursuing recreational 
marijuana production were the state to legalize it.

"We are very happy with Connecticut's approach," said Schultz. "We 
think it is the right approach-of course, it is a conservative 
approach-we have no desire to go beyond precisely what Connecticut 
has prescribed."

John Santry, a 28-year veteran of the Clinton Police Department who 
now works for private security firm Kolram Access, will consult on 
keeping the Portland facility locked down.

Andrew Bozzuto, an organic-produce-and-livestock farmer out of 
Northford who also co-owns composting and waste-disposal companies, 
will direct operations for CPS.

Across the bridge in Middletown, just over a mile away, 
Fairfield-headquartered Greenbelt Management had intended to build a 
production facility at the city-owned Remington Rand building. 
Greenbelt hit more roadblocks than CPS, since Greenbelt had to clear 
their lease through the Common Council and City Hall, but ultimately 
won permission to rent and zoning clearance to grow medical marijuana.

DCP's announcement Tuesday rendered Greenbelt's lease null and void.

During council and zoning hearings, residents and officials raised 
concerns over possible off-gassing from the operation, but Greenbelt 
representatives mollified them that any emissions would be from 
ordinary heating and air-conditioning systems.

A 2012 law rendered marijuana a suitable palliative for 11 distinct 
illnesses, provided a doctor determines it is necessary.

According to DCP to date, approximately 1,700 patients qualify for 
the Connecticut program.

Claudette Carveth, a spokeswoman for the DCP, said the state's next 
step on medical marijuana is to evaluate applications for 
dispensaries. She said DCP will likely approve between three and five.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom