Cannabis cultivation could soon create approximately 50 new jobs in Madison County, Mississippi. Jared Kobs, the founder of Kudzu Cannabis, is developing a 30,000-square-foot medical marijuana growing facility along Commercial Parkway West, pending state approval for medical use of cannabis. Earlier this year, Kobs acquired 22 acres of land to construct the facility.
The Madison County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA) approved the sale of the land for $330,000 in May, estimating the project will yield around 30 new jobs and an investment of $7 million. “We’re really expecting between 30 and 50 jobs and the cultivation facility will be more like $8 million,” Kobs stated. “It’s going to be awesome. It really is.”
Timeline and Legislative Context
Kobs anticipates that the growing facility will be completed next year, awaiting legislative approval for medical marijuana. Construction of the facility will take between 10 and 12 months, after which Kudzu Cannabis will prepare to begin operations, contingent on the legalization of the drug. “We’re going to start our structure and at least get the shell built and everything ready,” Kobs remarked. “Hopefully, by then, there will be a law.”
In preparation for the cultivation process, Kobs plans to invest in necessary equipment once legislation is in place. “We’re trying to reduce the risk as much as possible,” he explained. His team includes his brother Jay, a professional cannabis cultivator with two decades of experience, and several prominent consultants, including Andrew DeAngelo, recognized by Forbes as a trailblazer in the cannabis industry.
Community and Legislative Support
Kobs has engaged with local officials in Canton, who have expressed their support for the project. “We have absolutely done our homework,” Kobs said. Additionally, he holds a law degree and has practiced for 20 years, participating as a strategic partner in advancing Initiative 65 last year, which aimed to legalize medical marijuana in Mississippi. The initiative ultimately passed with 74 percent of the vote.
Despite the optimistic outlook, the initiative faced legal challenges, particularly from Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler, who argued that the ballot process was unconstitutional. The state Supreme Court subsequently invalidated the results of Initiative 65. Kobs remains hopeful for legislative action, either in a special session or during the regular session in 2021. Support from leaders such as House Speaker Philip Gunn and Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann has been noted, with discussions ongoing about the possibility of a special session to advance medical marijuana legislation.
At a recent press conference, Governor Tate Reeves indicated that progress is being made on a bill to legalize medical marijuana, committing to call a special session once a consensus is achieved. “Seventy-four percent of Mississippi spoke and obviously, they said they wanted it. So, we’re fairly certain it’s going to come,” Kobs concluded.
