While there were plenty of word puns and ceremonial dirt tossed about Friday morning at Good Day Farm Arkansas' groundbreaking ceremony, inside their facility, Clark Contractors' employees were already hard at work.
"Grow, grow, grow," said Mayor Shirley Washington to a crowd of about 60 outside the state licensed cannabis facility at 3300 N. Hutchinson St. Like the others, Washington talked about the company's $50 million initial investment and the 200 jobs it's bringing to the area. The jobs will average $19 an hour, with an annual payroll and benefits of approximately $9.4 million.
More than a medical boost, this is an economic boost to the area, she said. Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson spoke after the mayor. "I see Pine Bluff growing. ... However you feel about medical cannabis, it's here to stay," Robinson said.
Alex Gray, a Little Rock attorney and co-owner, said during the ceremony that "attitudes are changing, and medical cannabis is a better choice than many others."
Read more at arkansasonline.com