Charlton Orchards owner Nate Benjamin Jr. feels he's been left with no choice but to sell his business to a buyer that has proposed a cannabis farm.
"We've lost money for the last two years," he said.
Benjamin's once profitable Massachusetts apple orchard and winery have been decimated by both the economy and circumstances beyond his control.
Valley Green Grow of North Andover wants to build an 800,000-to-1.5-million-square-foot greenhouse for cannabis research, as well as medical and recreational cultivation.
The board of selectmen approved the host agreement with the town, but then neighbors complained they didn't have a say.
"When we realized the mistake that we made, we did not sign the contract, so that the citizens could have more information about what was going on," said John McGrath, the chairman of the board of selectmen.
US (MA): Sale of orchard for MJ greenhouse on hold amid public outcry
But town officials say the voters previously approved cannabis and the board of selectmen's ability to sign host agreements without additional voter approval or public comment.
