Great Falls business applies for permit to open hemp processing facility

(The Electric) The Cascade County Zoning Board of Adjustment will consider a special use permit for a hemp processing facility at its meeting this month.

Paul Leach of Venture Property and Leasing LLC has applied for a permit allowing a value-added agricultural commodity processing facility on his nine acre parcel.

Leach wrote in the application that the facility would operate 12 hours a day and eventually employ six people. Two semis would serve the facility each week.

The project would use the two existing buildings on the property, according to the handwritten application.

Hemp is authorized as an alternative agricultural crop by the Montana Legislature. The Montana Department of Agriculture does not license processors, only growers. Yet licenses may be required for processing from other federal and state agencies, such as health agencies, depending on the product being made.

In the application, Leach said he'll explore other products as well, including the production of Cannabidiol oil.

According to the application, no goods will be sold on-site.