Pubdate: Mon, 03 Mar 2014
Source: News, The (New Glasgow, CN NS)
Copyright: 2014 Transcontinental Inc.
Contact:  http://www.ngnews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3343

NEW OPPORTUNITY, EVEN IF IT'S UNUSUAL

Well here's an enterprise that won't fall under the traditional 
category in Nova Scotia. Nor is it likely medicinal marijuana will be 
described as a sunset industry any time soon.

And that's just one of the pluses a marijuana production plant 
proposed for Stellarton has going for it.

Naturally, as news broke Friday of this venture by Vida Cannabis, 
which has an eye on the former Clairtone building on the edge of 
Stellarton, the reaction included many chuckles and mirthful 
references to pot culture. That's to be expected - and a good sign. 
With the growing reputation for medicinal properties, attitudes 
toward marijuana have shifted hugely in recent decades, and the 
scandalized shock factor is behind most of us.

As Stellarton Mayor Joe Gennoe put it, it's an industry he could 
never have imagined moving into the vacant spot even five years ago. 
But things change.

This is a significant development and glowing opportunity in many 
ways. In coincidental irony, The News had published on the same day 
of the Vida Cannabis announcement an article about the history of the 
building, occupied by Clairtone in the 1960s to manufacture stereo 
equipment. It's been empty since its demise and efforts have never 
panned out to find a new occupant.

Vida Cannabis makes reference to the ideal aspects of this building, 
which with its concrete walls it describes as a fortress. The company 
estimates a workforce eventually of 200 to 300 - a substantial number 
in a county of 45,000.

The deal still depends on the company obtaining appropriate licensing.

This is an industry with great potential for growth, with medicinal 
marijuana typically used by patients for chronic pain management or 
to combat nausea associated with certain conditions. Doctors - with 
some reluctant to acknowledge the value - are gradually learning more 
about applications. Plus we can expect research to continue into 
potential uses for this valuable plant.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom