Maine Businessman Plans Cannabis Operation in Movie Theater

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]A[/dropcap] Maine businessman has cultivated an idea that’s far from half-baked—turning an abandoned movie theater into a one-stop destination that grows, processes and sells medical and recreational cannabis.

The Showcase Cinemas’ former location in Seekonk, which closed in 2010, could house a grow facility that has the capacity to cultivate 50,000 pounds of cannabis yearly and create 60 or more jobs.

“Creating a growth and processing facility here will provide the Town of Seekonk with at least $60 million in new tax revenue over the next 10 years at $6 million a year or more,” business person Jamie Crumb told The Sun Chronicle. The cannabis would have a three percent excise tax on the cultivated cannabis and a three percent sales tax.

“Mr. Crumb has successfully operated medical cannabis growth operations and dispensaries in Maine, a no strike state (license lost on first violation), for more than five years,” the press release states.

The building is currently owned by developer Charles Tapalian who purchased it in October. The cinema location has also been considered for a 102-unit apartment building, which could bring in $275,000 in tax revenue. A fish farm was also considered and quickly refused after residents complained of the idea.

The cannabis business would need a zoning change, since the only cannabis-approved area is in another part of the city.  A public hearing to consider the business and zone change is planned for Jan. 22, and residents will be able to vote on the proposal  on Jan. 28.

“As long as they run everything through the town council, and the community has a word,” he’d be satisfied, said Seekonk resident Steve Sears. “I don’t know what it’s going to do about traffic, but if it’s going to improve the quality of life in the community, then I’m in support of it.”