The media got a glimpse inside the Aurora Vie medical marijuana facility in Pointe-Claire Friday.
The 40,000 square foot location on Hymus Boulevard was purchased by Aurora Cannabis for $7 million in April. Aurora becomes the second licensed producer in Quebec and the first on the island of Montreal. The company says it expects to be able to cultivate up to 4,000 kilograms of cannabis annually, which would be produced for Quebec as well as for export.
The plant has been received with mixed feelings as some residents are concerned about the potential negative impact to the environment. Health Canada has strict guidelines on there being any smell of marijuana outside of the facility. Aurora officials say high-quality air filtration systems have been installed.
Others are worried about a possible increase of crime in the area. Officials say their facilities have on-site security, and that there has been no increase in crime near any of their other locations across Canada.
Aurora had to weather a near public relations nightmare Friday when employees had no answer for why documents and flyers given to the media, including a non-disclosure agreement, were only written in English.
Health Canada gave Aurora its license to produce medical marijuana last month and production is expected to begin in the coming weeks. The company says it should have its first yield this spring. It also has plans to expand into the recreational market after Canada moves to legalize marijuana in July of next year.