AUBURN, Maine — Lawmakers are getting ready to finalize statewide marijuana rules. On the local level, places like Auburn are also crafting cannabis regulations.
That's where you'll find a massive, multi-million dollar complex under construction, which will soon be home to a first of its kind business park in the state, catering to all things cannabis.
"We're breaking the taboo," said Cliff Miller. Miller is the CEO of his own cannabis company.
He says he's aware of misconceptions about the industry and he's made it his mission to build what he calls a "cannabis empire."
"That means we're going to put a lot of time, effort, and money to doing this the right way," said Miller.
He's building a series of greenhouses on a 32-acre site.
"Everything here will be seed-to-sale."
Meaning, the site will serve as a place for workers to grow marijuana, cultivate it, process it, and eventually sell it. The plans for retail sales will happen at another location less than a mile away.
The complex is estimated to cost well more than $3 million.
Miller, who grew up in Maine and lives here now, hopes to have the facilities up and running sometime this summer.
There's currently a marijuana moratorium in place in Auburn on social clubs, retail, and medical marijuana storefronts.
One week from Monday there will be a public hearing at city hall to weigh in on local rules regarding marijuana and city council will vote at some point after that.
All this is happening as lawmakers could finalize the proposed statewide rules before they leave for summer recess.