A state-of-the-art cannabis cultivation and manufacturing operation is coming to Sussex County.

Located at 92 Maple Grange Road in Vernon, Sussex Cultivation is a woman- and family-owned venture. The facility is scheduled to open March 14, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony with local officials and industry stakeholders.

Founded in 2019, the business was among the first cannabis companies in New Jersey to secure adult-use cultivation and manufacturing licenses. Along with creating innovative products that will elevate the state’s market, Sussex Cultivation aims to use sustainable practices to ensure a healthier environment.

It also focuses on establishing partnerships and offering co-manufacturing opportunities to fellow businesses across the state, underlining its commitment to collaborative growth and support.

Equipped with solvent-less and hydrocarbon equipment, the more than 30,000-square-foot facility is capable of processing up to 75 pounds of biomass hourly. Sussex Cultivation says that will help bring new high-quality cannabis products to New Jersey’s market.

In addition to processing cannabis for other companies, Sussex Cultivation will also produce its own premium flagship brand, ONYX.

‘A proud moment’

Sussex Cultivation owner Lori Dowling described the opening as “a proud moment for us as a women-owned business in New Jersey.”

Prior to Sussex Cultivation, she spent more than 30 years as an educator for the Passaic Board of Education and seven years in the health care sector.

Company President Brian Dowling said, “Our facility is more than a production site; it’s a cornerstone for innovation, community, and excellence in New Jersey’s cannabis industry.”

Over the past few years, Brian Dowling worked closely with cannabis consultants in connection with strategic planning including the design and development of its cultivation and manufacturing facilities, product lines and capital budgets. He also identified, partnered and hired the Sussex Cultivation team.

Howard Burrell wrapped up his four-year term in December 2023 as mayor of Vernon. He commented on the launch, saying, “Our municipality is in great need of additional revenue to help our homeowners pay the ever-increasing costs of the normal operation, care and maintenance of our town; this is especially true as it relates to the ever increasing costs of maintaining our streets and roads.”

“The revenue from this new business will be of major assistance in achieving this objective,” Burrell said. “I welcome this new revenue producing business to our town!”

According to the New Jersey Regulatory Cannabis Commission, there are more than 200 operating licenses in the state, including 23 cultivators and 15 manufacturers.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 9:10 a.m. March 13, 2024, to update Brian Dowling’s title.