Demand for grow supplies delays start to Truro facility

High demand for marijuana growing equipment has delayed the start of production at the Truro Herbal Company (THC), CEO Barry Mellish says.

“So, we’ve been held up with some of our stuff because of the demand for products,” he said.

Mellish, a former RCMP officer, had initially been hired as the operation’s head of security. He recently replaced founder Evan Price as company CEO, who is serving as a technical advisor.

The company plans to produce medical marijuana and in January Price had predicted the first crop of cannabis would be in the works by February or March.

With federal legislation in the works to legalize recreational marijuana, Mellish said the resulting demand for supplies from that market has created a backlog for humidifiers, lights and other specialty equipment.

While construction on the 20,000- sq.- ft. production facility is ongoing, Mellish said he is anticipating THC will receive its Phase 1 cultivation license within the next few weeks.

“Hopefully we’ll be ready enough to put product in the ground shortly after the end of this month,” he said.

When that happens, the first test crop should be ready for harvest in about three months.

“And, then hopefully, we’ll have our sales license and ready to go.”

HARRY SULLIVAN/TRURO DAILY NEWS Construction on a 20,000-square-foot medical cannabis facility in the Truro Business Park is nearing completion and officials are hoping to begin production of the first test crops by next month.