KINGMAN – Ownership is building a bigger and better Medusa Farms dispensary in the center of Kingman, allowing future exit from undersized lease space between Bashas’ and the Happy Hair Cutters Salon on East Andy Devine Ave.

Site preparation is underway where Off The Peel LLC will construct the dispensary on a one-acre parcel on the southeast corner of Airway Ave. and Bank St.

“We wanted larger floor space for our retail sales and there’s no place in Kingman that meets the zoning requirements,” said Business Manager Brandie Carrington. “The building size will be 5,000 sq. ft. and 2,000 sq. ft. will be retail space, but the entire 5,000 sq. ft. will be dedicated to supporting the dispensary business.”

Carrington said non-retail space will be used for packaging, pre-roll and other cannabis production activity at a complex that will employ more than 30 people.

Building Safety & Neighborhood Services Manager Sean Osterman said the city of Kingman has issued grading and building permits and approved the site plan for the project.

“We have all our permits and everything and we have already started, and as far as licensing, we meet all the county and city regulations,” Carrington said. “Once our building is fully constructed we’ll notify the state who will come in and inspect it and give us approval to move our dispensary.”

Carrington said she realizes some have concerns or reservations, but hopes voter approval of legalization and growing understanding reduces any stigma associated with the marijuana industry. She said the company and its workforce are largely homegrown and locally focused.

“I’m born and raised in Kingman. My family has been here our whole life. We invest in our community. As we make money we turn around and invest. We support local charities. We support local organizations. We stayed within the city limits on purpose in order to keep our city taxes supporting our community,” Carrington said. “We think our community should be inclusive. Marijuana is medicinal and there are recreational benefits and we’re here to support everyone’s journey, whatever that journey may be.”

Carrington said Medusa committed to local contracting, sub-contractors and labor for the project. She said the new dispensary should open by early next year, if not sooner.