The former Mataura paper mill, where ouvea premix was being stored, is being converted into a medicinal cannabis and hemp mill.
Southern Medicinal Ltd, a partnership between Natural Horticulture Ltd and Dunedin based medicinal cannabis company SOMA Group, has begun converting the former mill buildings into a non-THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis) medicinal cannabis and hemp growing, testing and processing facility.
Executive director Greg Marshall said the project could create new processing and cultivation jobs to support up to 500 hectares of cultivation in Southland during the next 10 years.
The initial fit-out of 400 square metres of indoor grow rooms within the old mill complex had been completed and growing had started on site.
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