Cathedral City approves medical cannabis facility

Cathedral City is set to be the home of a new 489,000-square-foot medical cannabis cultivation and production facility, after receiving unanimous approval by the city’s Planning Commission.

Sunniva Inc. — headquartered in Canada and a provider of medical cannabis products and services — received a Conditional Use Permit that sets the path for two buildings to be located at 69-375 Ramon Road, just east of Date Palm Drive.

The construction will involve two phases constructed over the next three years. Phase I, a 325,000-square-foot facility is anticipated to produce 177,000 lbs. of dry cannabis per year, and construction is expected by the end of year.

Phase II is planned to be 164,000 square-feet and will deliver 100,000 lbs. of medical cannabis per year.

“We are excited to be chosen as the location for this world-class cannabis center that utilizes the latest sustainable technology for cultivation,” said Stan Henry, Mayor of Cathedral City. “The Sunniva Campus will have a tremendous, positive impact on our economic development through job creation and tax revenue for our public safety, roads and bridges, and community parks.”

Henry says the facility promises to generate over $5 million of tax revenue for the city’s public safety, roads and parks.

Total job creation is estimated at 185 full-time positions, ranging from skilled to semi-skilled jobs.

No prior cultivation experience is necessary and training will be provided, according to Sunniva C.O.O. Duncan Gordan.

Sunniva has budgeted an average wage of $22/hr and all employees will receive full medical benefits.

For more information on Sunniva, click here.

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