A manufacturer of edibles and a cooperative are looking to open Port Hueneme’s first medical marijuana operations.
YiLo, which has marijuana operations in Arizona, has applied to make its cannabis-infused food and drink products at what is currently a public works facility for the city.
In addition, Paul Watson hopes to open the Hueneme Patient Consumer Coop in the Moll Plaza II building off Channel Islands Boulevard.
Both have submitted paperwork to Port Hueneme, which last month began accepting applications for those interested in cultivating, manufacturing, processing, storing, testing, transporting or selling cannabis products.
Carsten Loelke, president of YiLoLife, said he found Port Hueneme to be a good fit for the company, and the climate conducive to its operations. The company makes more than 600 products including brownies, candies, chocolates and waxes and grows various strains of plants.
“It’s always good to go somewhere where you’re welcome, and we’re trying to develop a nice relationship with the city,” Loelke said.
If the company secures a business license, use permit and development agreement, YiLo plans to buy and move into 746 Industrial Way, which is just over an acre, for $1.25 million. The company would have 35 employees, the application states.
No sales would happen at the facility, Loelke said. Rather, the edibles would be produced there and then shipped to retailers throughout the state.
Being in Ventura County would make the operation central to customers in both Southern and Northern California, Loelke said. He said the products are high-quality and natural and made without any solvents.
YiLo is hoping to be open and hiring by October.
“I think that’s possible, but that would assume that everything goes right and there are no delays,” he said.
Port Hueneme has been working with the company on the transition, with both the police chief and a property consultant hired by the city to visit YiLo’s Arizona operations. The property is a second public works facility and is underutilized, Butler said. The city’s main public works site is on Surfside Drive.
Butler said he heard positive feedback about the company.
Watson began moving into Hardy Moll Realty’s building at 501 W. Channel Islands Blvd. several months ago. Butler said Watson leased the third floor late last year in anticipation of the city allowing marijuana operations.
Watson declined to comment but through his attorney, Jay Leiderman, said he was glad things were on the move.
credit:420intel.com