Pubdate: Fri, 16 Jan 2015
Source: Cortez Journal, The (CO)
Copyright: 2015 The Cortez Journal
Contact:  http://www.cortezjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3602
Author: Tobie Baker

COULD POT BOOST LOCAL AG INDUSTRY?

Advocates say yes, release field report

A local medical marijuana advocate says the area's agriculture
industry could receive a boost if farmers were allowed to grow cannabis.

Last summer, Montezuma County commissioners voted to prohibit licensed
commercial grow operations, but one man is hopeful local officials
will reconsider. Representing the Colorado Plateau Growers
Association, Lu Nettleton recently released the group's first field
and seed trials report for commercial marijuana, which reveals that
cannabis could be an economic boon.

Contained in the report, conservative estimates reveal that farmers
could potentially generate $500,000 in sales per acre if allowed to
grow and harvest medical marijuana. Broader estimates show total sells
could near $2.5 million per acre.

"We can grow cannabis and sell it cheaper than the medical
dispensaries," said Nettleton, "and we believe we should be able to
legally compete with all producers."

According to one law enforcement official, monitoring outdoor
marijuana grow operations could cost the county $90,000 annually, but
commissioner Keenan Ertel voted last summer to prohibit the measure.

"I have discomfort with (legalizing) a mind-altering drug," he said at
the time. "This was handed down from the Eastern Slope. Our county
voted against it."

It's unknown if commissioners intend to re-address the issue, but
Nettleton remains optimistic. In addition to potential profits, he
argues that commercial marijuana grow operations could also create
needed, high-paying jobs.

"Currently, there is a state-imposed monopoly that is keeping
traditional farmers out of the cannabis market, except at the lowest
level," said Nettleton. "We can change that."

Through a series of blind trials, Nettleton also maintains that the
association's outdoor grown medical marijuana was equal or superior to
all indoor grown strains at dispensaries in Cortez, Durango and Telluride.

"These trials prove the validity of our claims that this region is
uniquely positioned to grow an entire range of very high-quality
cannabis," said Nettleton.

The report indicates that five member growers were provided 500
non-genetically modified seeds. With a 95 percent germination rate,
the outdoor grown plants numbered 400 per acre. After a 110- to a
130-day growing season, each plant produced an average of 1.5 pounds
of marijuana.

To join or for more information on the Colorado Plateau Growers
Association, call attorney Mark Reider at (970) 310-6977.
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