Medical Marijuana Plant Coming To Meriden?

A medical manufacturing plant might soon be coming to Meriden, as a company has announced it will apply for a license to build one at 500 South Broad Street.

The Record-Journal reports that the proposed manufacturing plant by Central Connecticut Health Ventures would possibly be as large as 300,000 square feet and provide 40 to 60 jobs, with a requirement that 65 percent of the workers be from Meriden. As part of legislation passed in May, Connecticut will allow between three and 10 medical marijuana plants in the state, according to the newspaper.

While many of the city's officials are excited about the possibility, some have reservations. Meriden City Councilor Miguel Casto is one with reservations.

“It will add taxes to our bottom line and fill space that needs to be filled,” Castro told The Record-Journal. “But this could cause harm and put a dent into our image and heritage...I’m not sure that this is part of our economic development blueprint.”

The state deadline for Connecticut producer and dispensary license requests is Nov. 15.

Here in Middletown, co-owner of the Fairfield-based Greenbelt Management, Jason Nickerson is also making sure the 15,000-square-foot space owned by the city of Middletown at the Remington Rand building at 180 Johnson Street is fully prepared to start growing medical marijuana if the state Department of Consumer Protection green lights his business plan. The city's common council approved a lease with Greenbelt at its August meeting.

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Would you welcome a medical marijuana manufacturing plant in Meriden?