BEND, Oregon (AP) - City officials say Bend is experiencing a second wave of growth and investment in marijuana businesses.
The Bend Bulletin (https://bit.ly/1TebQib ) reports that Bend is currently home to 18 medical marijuana dispensaries, four testing labs, five processors and an unknown number of growers.
Rachel Ruppel, an assistant city planner, says 12 more marijuana businesses are also planning on setting up shop - seven of which will be recreational marijuana retail shops.
However, the boon in business has caused challenges from some owners who are struggling finding property owners willing to lease to marijuana businesses.
Carl Carnagey, of Madras, a business partner for a marijuana testing lab in Bend, says that’s he had to seek out so-called “marijuana friendly” contractors and other professionals to help run his business.
Oregon recently legalized recreational marijuana use. The drug, however, remains illegal under federal law.
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