Green Thumb Industries (GTI), a Chicago-based marijuana company, has purchased 38 acres of former prison grounds in Warwick, New York, for $3.3 million. The company plans to build a massive 450,000-square-foot production facility, marking a significant milestone in Orange County’s burgeoning cannabis industry.
Project Overview and Economic Impact
The $155 million project, which has progressed rapidly since GTI applied for tax incentives in January, is expected to have a substantial economic impact. The Orange County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) approved $28 million in tax reductions on March 30, paving the way for the company’s purchase of the property on July 26. Construction is set to begin shortly, with the first phase projected to be completed within a year.
GTI’s first construction phase will cover 200,000 square feet, including 58,000 square feet dedicated to marijuana cultivation and additional space for processing, offices, and storage. The company anticipates employing nearly 100 people initially and 179 workers by the third year, with production employees earning $50,000 to $57,000 annually.
A Hub for Cannabis Production
The Green Thumb facility will join a growing cluster of cannabis businesses at the Warwick Valley Office and Technology Corporate Park. This campus, formerly the site of the Mid-Orange Correctional Facility, has been repurposed by the Warwick Valley Local Development Corporation. Other cannabis companies in the area include PharmaCann, which produces medical marijuana in Hamptonburgh, and Citiva Medical, which is constructing a greenhouse and processing facility adjacent to GTI’s planned site.
Green Thumb’s Expansion and New York Market
Green Thumb Industries has rapidly expanded since its founding in 2014. The publicly traded company operates 16 manufacturing sites and holds licenses for 111 retail stores across 14 states, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. With a workforce of over 2,300 employees, GTI is one of 10 companies licensed to produce and sell medical marijuana in New York.
GTI obtained its New York license in 2019 by acquiring Fiorello Pharmaceuticals for $60 million. Fiorello had previously operated a manufacturing site in Schenectady County and retail dispensaries in three other counties. To facilitate its move to Orange County, GTI secured approval from the state Department of Health approximately a month before purchasing the Warwick property.
Cannabis Industry Growth in New York
The legalization of recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older earlier this year has sparked a flurry of activity in New York’s cannabis industry. Although the state has not yet issued commercial licenses for the recreational market, companies are positioning themselves to capitalize on what is expected to be a multibillion-dollar industry.
GTI’s Warwick facility will complement other major cannabis projects in the region. For instance, Cresco Labs, another Chicago-based company, recently announced plans for a 360,000-square-foot growing and processing facility in Ulster County, which is expected to employ 300 to 400 people when fully operational.
Innovative Products and Market Reach
Green Thumb’s extensive product portfolio includes:
-Vaping cartridges and pre-rolled joints branded as Dogwalkers.
-Skin-care products and lotions infused with CBD or THC.
-Edible products like Incredibles chocolate bars and gummies
These offerings, combined with GTI’s established retail network, position the company to capture a significant share of New York’s emerging cannabis market.
Local Support and Development
Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton has praised the project, emphasizing its potential to create jobs and generate economic growth. The site’s pre-cleared development status allowed GTI to bypass planning board review, streamlining the approval process.
“This facility represents a significant investment in our community and will be a cornerstone of the Warwick Valley Office and Technology Corporate Park,” Sweeton said.
Conclusion
Green Thumb Industries’ new production facility in Warwick reflects the rapid evolution of New York’s cannabis industry. By leveraging local resources and state incentives, GTI is poised to play a leading role in the region’s economic and industrial landscape. As construction begins, the project signals a new era of growth and opportunity for Orange County.
