SYRACUSE N.Y. — The marijuana business is starting to take shape in Central New York.
Back in August, the New York State Office of Cannabis Management approved the first 15 marijuana processor licenses. Click here to view the list of conditional approved processors.
The state has also granted more than 200 conditional grower licenses to companies across the state and in every county across Central New York.
Now, one local family is hoping it will help them soar to new heights.
CNY Central got a rare chance on Monday to get a look at the new product being grown at Beak and Skiff.
A product that they hope will spur the Central New York economy, boost tourism and grow an industry that’s exploding nationwide.
Beak and Skiff is known for family fall fun, like apple picking, pony rides, and even hard cider, but on the sprawling orchard in LaFayette, they are growing something new.
“A huge opportunity for farmers to really get in on the ground floor and get their business going,” said Beak and Skiff President Eddie Brennan.
The popular apple farm was recently awarded one of New York’s coveted cannabis processing licenses. Brennan hopes it will help take the family business to new heights.
“We’re all about innovation and change,” said Brennan. “And as a five-generation business, we’ve always had to come up with new things to keep pushing on to the next thing.”
Three years ago, the orchard launched a hemp pilot program, growing more than 20 acres of hemp in 2021.
Now, they are jumping into the marijuana business, launching a new company called Gen-V.
They will start with a one-acre field to grow pot and build a 15,000-square-foot processing facility dedicated to THC beverages, vapes, and edibles.
“We’re really excited to be one of the first 15 processors licensed in the state, which is a huge deal for our family, and really just pushing onto the next piece of our family business,” said Brennan.
Don’t expect to consume their products just yet. So far, the state has not announced the approved dispensaries.
However, once the industry becomes more widespread, Brennan hopes people will start to learn about the benefits that marijuana can provide.
“Part of the challenge has been convincing everyone why we should do it, why it makes sense, why it’s different, and then finally, why it’s acceptable, and we’ve kind of crossed those barriers,” said Brennan.
For now, the wait continues for the state to announce the approved dispensaries, and once that happens, Beak and Skiff can start shipping products across the state.
The THC beverage facility is still being built, and Brennan hopes to have it fully functional by Christmas time.
