Southern Crop, recipients of the first Cannabis Cultivation and Processing License from the Mississippi Department of Health, has officially opened its vertically integrated facility in Meridian, MS.
Southern Crop’s 175,000 sq ft cGMP facility contains proprietary automated packaging systems, an ENTEXS ethanol extraction system, a kitchen, and 105,000 sq. ft. of indoor canopy space. Housed in a repurposed building that was vacant for 20+ years, it is one of two Tier 6 facilities in Mississippi. “This cutting-edge processing operation and pharmaceutical-grade cultivation facility will produce high-quality cannabis products for patients of the Mississippi Medical Marijuana Program,” says Randy J. Mire, Pharm.D, Co-Founder, and Chief Executive Officer. Mire was the first pharmacist to dispense medical marijuana in the South. The cultivation team is being led by Isaiah Steinbach. Mr. Steinbach has two decades of cultivation experience and was part of a six-time award-winning team, culminating with the “Best of California” award. After relocating with his family, Isaiah is now a Mississippi resident and is passing his industry knowledge on to locals who are new to the cannabis industry. 
The company’s new cultivation site will bolster employment opportunities in Mississippi as it currently employs 34 residents hired during the first phase of development. Southern Crop is estimating it will create approximately 100 new jobs as subsequent phases are rolled out. There are many jobs that are being created, from entry-level to professional roles. Southern Crop is also working with many local vendors in sectors such as transportation, security, legal services, IT management, maintenance, and cleaning supplies and will continue to support local businesses. According to Mayor Jimmy Smith, “Meridian is open for business,” and Southern Crop agrees. “The city of Meridian has been incredibly supportive and welcoming every step of the way, and we are excited to bring new opportunities its way,” said Rob Naudin, Chief Strategy Officer.
Patients will have access to a wide variety of products, consumption methods, and dosing options provided by Southern Crop’s inaugural Bold Brand Collective consisting of SOAR, Fligh, Beyond, and SoCrop. These brands will be available to license wholesale partners throughout the state in addition to the up-and-coming owned retail brand SOAR.
The grand opening celebration on April 26th, 2023, is by invitation only and will commence at 4:30 p.m. with a welcome message from its CEO, Randy J. Mire, Pharm.D, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony and a private site tour at 5:00 p.m.
For more information: 
Southern Crop
southern-crop.com
