New Zealand's largest medicinal cannabis grower and one of the biggest organically certified growers in the world received shining accolades as it showcased its Kekerengu farm to international academics, growers, buyers and prescribers.
Puro has been growing medicinal cannabis since 2018 and has two facilities in Marlborough, one in the Waihopai Valley and the Kekerengu farm on the Kaikoura coast. Specialising in organic cannabis growing, and genetic research and breeding, Puro is about to harvest its biggest crop, with plans to increase its production in Kaikoura.
The Kekerengu farm, with 65,000 plants on 15 hectares, is expected to produce about 100 tonnes of material to be dried or formulated into oils for medicinal use. With the aim of building international relationships, Puro opened the gates of its Kekerengu farm to 50 people, almost half of them from abroad.
Puro co-founder and chief development officer Tom Forrest said while cannabis could be grown almost anywhere, Marlborough was chosen because its environment is ideally suited to growing a high-grade product. He said the Kekerengu farm is special because it has an optimal soil profile, the right aspect, gradient and elevation from sea level, along with protection from the mountains.
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