Massive Marijuana Grow Facility Under Construction in Tucson

George Roop speculates that his Rita Road cultivation center in Tucson will rank among the largest marijuana cultivation centers in the U.S. The entire project is estimated to top out at 440,000-sqft, consuming 16-acres of land.

Roop hopes to start cultivating in April and to employ about 50 people during the first phase, Tucson.com reports.

City planners have already approved phases 1 and 2 of his building plans. Phase 2 will include a separate outdoor marijuana cultivation space. In phase 2, the staff could increase to dozens of employees.

For security, Roop has a sturdy wrought-iron fence and will employ armed guards. There is also an advanced security system in the works that will help monitor the crops and will be linked to the Arizona Department of Health Services’ office.

Roop responded to residents’ concerns by saying, “I have heard their concerns and their concerns are valid. I want them to know I am taking every step to mitigate their concerns. This is not a warehouse that I’m retrofitting. I’m building it from the ground up specifically for cannabis, and I believe it is going to set a new standard for the industry.”

The facility will be the eighth inside Tucson city limits. Currently, the largest is 30,000-sqft.

Roop does plan to wholesale his marijuana to numerous Arizona dispensaries.