US (CT): Former Mystic Monsanto site could become MMJ facility

The controversial Mystic plant-research site that Monsanto Co. plans to shut down this year has drawn the interest of two groups looking into using the modern facilities for growing medical marijuana, First Selectman Rob Simmons said Monday.

Simmons' revelation came soon after a state website indicated that Monsanto had issued a formal notice of the closure, which will occur in two phases starting Oct. 29. The shutdown, announced last year, will result in the loss of 40 jobs locally, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification dated Aug. 29 and released Monday to The Day by the state Department of Labor.

Since Monsanto's initial announcement, Simmons said, two organizations have indicated an interest in Monsanto's Maritime Drive site for growing medical marijuana. He has advised the groups to talk with Monsanto officials about their plans as well as check in with state authorities to determine what kinds of permits would be required.

"It's an ideal place for that kind of activity," Simmons said in a phone interview.

Simmons said he didn't know whether current zoning laws specifically addressed the issue of having a medical-marijuana growing facility in town. But he said Monsanto's security systems and growing facilities, which currently focus on genetically modified corn seeds, could be attractive for marijuana growers.

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