AI Generated Image
A Marijuana Giant That Won Over Trump Has Found Enemies Closer to Home
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Waukeenah, Florida, once known for watermelon farms and cattle pastures, is now recognized for a large marijuana grow operation run by cannabis company Trulieve.
- Since Trulieve began harvesting marijuana in 2020, neighbors have complained about the strong odor, machinery noise, and bright lights, but these concerns received little attention in rural Jefferson County.
- A viral Facebook video showing greenish water runoff from Trulieve's property onto neighbors' land sparked significant public backlash against the company.
- The video brought widespread awareness to environmental concerns, despite Trulieve's CEO having influenced medical marijuana reclassification at the federal level.
- Local residents expressed shock and frustration, emphasizing that seeing the runoff was more impactful than just hearing about it.
