Early site work has started in Rita Ranch for a medical marijuana cultivation facility at 8000 S. Rita Road. The first phase calls for 40,000 square feet of grow space. / Photo by Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
A Tucson native is hoping to turn his hometown into a hot spot for cannabis cultivation by building a massive medical marijuana-growing complex on the city’s southeast side.
Construction is underway on the first phase of Tucson Cannabis Campus, a project envisioned as an eventual 440,000-square-foot facility on 16 acres of industrial land in Rita Ranch, where some residents are nervous about their new neighbor.
George Roop, a 2000 graduate of Canyon del Oro High School and co-owner of the new venture, said he’s building a state-of-the-art complex that, once complete, will be “the largest in Arizona and one of the largest in the United States.”
“Establishing a well structured plan for construction, development and operation is key not only for a successful cultivation facility, but to ensure a strong positive relationship with your local community as well. It’s great to see the depth of knowledge, planning and expertise going into this project.”
