Southern Crop, the first entity to receive a cannabis cultivation and processing license from the Mississippi Department of Health, will mark the official opening of its Meridian facility on Thursday with a grand ceremony. The invitation-only event begins at 4:30 p.m. with a welcome address from CEO Randy J. Mire, Pharm.D, followed by a ribbon cutting and private site tour at 5 p.m.
Facility Features and Production Quality
Spanning 175,000 square feet, Southern Crop’s state-of-the-art facility includes proprietary automated packaging systems and a modern kitchen, alongside 105,000 square feet of indoor canopy space. This site, housed in a building that was vacant for over 20 years, is one of only two Tier 6 facilities in Mississippi.
“This cutting-edge processing operation and pharmaceutical-grade cultivation facility will produce high-quality cannabis products for patients enrolled in the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Program,” stated Randy J. Mire, Co-Founder and CEO of Southern Crop.
Experienced Leadership in Cultivation
The cultivation team is being led by Isaiah Steinbach, who brings two decades of experience, including accolades from a six-time award-winning team recognized with the “Best of California” award. Having recently relocated to Mississippi, Steinbach is sharing his expertise with local residents entering the cannabis industry.
Employment Opportunities and Local Support
Southern Crop’s new cultivation site is set to enhance employment prospects in eastern Mississippi, currently employing 34 local residents from its initial development phase. The company anticipates adding around 100 new jobs as subsequent phases are implemented.
Job opportunities range from entry-level to professional roles, with Southern Crop collaborating with various local vendors across transportation, security, legal services, IT management, maintenance, and cleaning supplies. This commitment underscores the company’s intention to support local businesses.
Meridian Mayor Jimmy Smith previously affirmed that, “Meridian is open for business,” a sentiment echoed by Southern Crop’s Chief Strategy Officer Rob Naudin, who acknowledged the city’s strong support throughout the process. “The City of Meridian has been incredibly supportive and welcoming every step of the way, and we are excited to bring new opportunities its way,” Naudin remarked.
Diverse Product Offering
Patients will have access to a comprehensive range of products, consumption methods, and dosing options offered through Southern Crop’s inaugural Bold Brand Collective, featuring brands such as SOAR, Fligh, Beyond, and SoCrop. These products will be available to licensed wholesale partners across the state, along with the emerging retail brand, SOAR.
About Southern Crop
Southern Crop aims to set new standards in the cannabis industry, positioning itself for multi-state expansion while maintaining a commitment to high-quality, innovative products from seed to sale. The company’s primary goal is to create a long-term positive impact that increases access to premium plant-based wellness products.