Passaic Eyes More Money From Cannabis Factory

The city of Passaic has a rule that stops shops selling weed, but it is ready to let more factories make the product. The council has signed a second letter that supports a company called Integrity One Alternative Care, which wants to build a plant inside Passaic. The firm still needs the state’s final OK before it can start. A city official said the letter is part of the steps needed for state approval. If everything goes right, the new factory would give Passaic another source of money. Mayor Hector Lora said it could help the city make more revenue from taxes. He explained that a business needs two letters: one at first and another after the city board says yes. The first letter for this company was issued back in February 2022.Once the state green lights it, construction can begin. Passaic is looking for new ways to bring in money, just like other towns do. The city does not want stores that sell weed directly to people, but it is okay with factories because they can use empty buildings on the east side and create jobs. Passaic already has one cannabis maker, Garden Society. It opened a year ago in a five‑building complex on 8th Street. The plant has brought about $100, 000 in tax revenue from making recreational products such as edibles, pre‑rolls, vapes and concentrates. The city taxes these manufacturers at 2 percent, the same rate used statewide. Garden Society has about 20 to 30 workers and may look for permission to grow bigger.