George Mathewson
The company that started a medical marijuana grow-op near Petrolia is branching out into some “Lambton County Gold” for the adult fun market.
A new subsidiary of Tilray Inc., High Park Farms, has been granted a federal licence to grow recreational marijuana at its greenhouse operation in Enniskillen Township.
The company said it will begin growing plants under glass next week and anticipates a first harvest in June.
“This license is a major milestone for High Park as we work to prepare for the anticipated launch of the world’s largest federally legal cannabis market later this year,” said chief marketing officer Adine Carter.
An array of trademarked brands will be grown locally for the legal market with names such as Headlights “for the experienced consumer;” Wallops “high-intensity chews and confections;” Dutchy “whole flower, pre-rolls and vape oil cartridges” for frequent users; and Grail, a “luxury brand” featuring rare strains of exotic cannabinoids.
A $10-million processing facility will be built in London, the company said.
Tilray announced last August it was launching a medical marijuana operation at the former Enniskillen Pepper Co., on LaSalle Line just west of Oil Heritage Road.
Phase One called for 10 acres of greenhouses with 50 new employees.
The High Park Farms facility will represent an investment of up to $30 million, with 13 acres of greenhouse on the 100-acre property.
Tilray started with a federally licensed medical cannabis facility in Nanaimo, B.C. in 2014.
“We are proud that the addition of High Park will bring our total investment in Canada to more than $100 million and grow our Canadian workforce to more than 500 professionals in the next several years,” said Tilray CEO Brendan Kennedy.
High Park has agreements or letters of intent to supply markets in Quebec, Manitoba and the Yukon and is working on deals with Crown corporations and private entities in other provinces.
Recreational marijuana use is expected to become legal in Canada on July 1.