First Cannabis Manufacturing Facility Approved in Pittsburg, California

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]P[/dropcap]ittsburg, California will soon become home to a medical and recreational cannabis manufacturing and distribution facility. The approved company, Canyon Laboratories, will be located on Clark Avenue, which was the previous location of the U.S. Army’s Camp Stoneman between 1942 to 1954. There, raw cannabis materials will be packaged and shipped to approved retailers.

On July 16, the Pittsburg City Council voted 4-1 in favor of a permit for cannabis operations with Canyon Laboratories (a subsidiary of BioZone Laboratories Inc., which has developed over-the-counter drugs, cosmetics, nutritional supplements since 1992). These two companies estimate that they could create up to 80 new job openings in the next three years.

Jill Hecht, the city’s director of community development, recommended that the council should approve both the permit and the operation agreement of Contra Costa County. “They have an excellent track record and they are one of our major employers here in town,” she told East Bay Times.

But of course, many locals have voiced concerns over having cannabis businesses nearby. David Miller, owner of a business called Hospital System that is located directly across the street from Canyon Laboratories’ future location, is worried about an increase in criminal activity. “Their security system is fine as far as I am concerned, but I am worried about safety in the area,” Miller said. “Will there be an increased police presence?”

As agreed by the city council, the new manufacturing plant will limit the amounts of products stored on site. Additionally, an inspection by officers must be conducted when requested, and security cameras must be installed. Deliveries are be expected to be made between the hours of 5 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Jordan Davis, a senior planner, said the city has been working closely in reviewing its security plan for Canyon Laboratories, which local police must approve before it is finalized. “Perhaps the most crucial aspect of the security plan is making sure that raw material [cannabis] is housed in a safe location,” Davis stated, reassuring that the products would be stored in a secured area where delivery vehicles directly drive into the facility.