The production of medical marijuana is progressing rapidly in Prentiss and Jefferson Davis County. Mississippi Green Oil is anticipated to open later this summer. Tom Moore, owner of Moore Companies, LLC of D’Iberville, is spearheading the development project at the industrial park on John Street Extension. “The building process is moving quickly,” Moore stated. The anticipated completion date is May 2, and Moore believes they are ahead of schedule.
The previously vacant warehouse is transforming into a facility featuring seven flower grow rooms, an extraction lab, trim rooms, offices, and a fully-equipped kitchen. Thirty employees, some of whom are local, will receive extensive on-site training. The Mississippi Green Oil facility will also include a sterile packaging room for gummies, capsules, pills, pre-rolls, and additional products such as inhalers, patches, and tea powders. Installation of HVAC systems is scheduled for this week throughout the facility.
Recruitment of Culinary Experts
Moore and Winston Ceasear, director of operations for Moore Companies, are in the process of interviewing bakers from across the state. “We are looking for pastry chefs to collaborate with our on-site chef in creating unique candies and edibles for Mississippi Green Oil,” Ceasear noted. Mike Yarborough will serve as the on-site chef and will also be the full-time director of operations in Prentiss. Moore indicated they are targeting some of the top bakeries in Mississippi, emphasizing the value of expertise in flavor development.
Aquaponics Initiative
Land has been cleared behind the building for two planned ponds that will support aquaponics. A circulation pond is set to nourish the second pond, housing essential nutrients. One pond will filter back into each grow room, supplying the necessary nutrients for plant growth. “Research shows that aquaponics is the best method for cultivation,” Ceasear stated.
An additional 60,000 square feet dedicated to growing will be added to the left side of the building facing Highway 84, with construction set to commence in August.
Licensing and Regulatory Landscape
Although the project is slated for completion in May, Mississippi Green Oil cannot apply for state licensing until June. The Mississippi State Department of Health is overseeing the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program and is currently working on establishing necessary licensing and patient registry protocols in accordance with Senate Bill 2095, enacted on February 2.
According to their website, the MSDH plans to start accepting online license applications in June for patients, medical practitioners, cannabis cultivation facilities, processing facilities, testing facilities, waste disposal entities, and transportation entities. Once the application process begins, there will be a 30-day approval period for licensure applications and a five-day approval period for program patients. The Mississippi Department of Revenue will manage the licensing for medical cannabis dispensaries.
Moore has expressed appreciation for the recognition given to medicinal marijuana throughout this venture. “The support from the Jefferson Davis County supervisors and the mayors of Prentiss and Bassfield has been overwhelming,” he stated.
