Actor Plans Framingham Marijuana Facility

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Another marijuana cultivation facility could be coming to Framingham — and this one has some star power behind it. Commonwealth Farm 1761 Inc, backed by Hollywood actor Jonathan Tucker, has plans to cultivate and manufacture cannabis on Eastleigh Farm. The mayor's marijuana advisory team unanimously voted earlier this month to recommend the company for a host community agreement, which would allow the facility to open.

City spokeswoman Kelly McFalls said the proposed agreement was submitted last week and is currently being reviewed.

This will be the second cultivation facility approved by the city. CareGiver-Patient Connection plans to build a growing facility at 61 Tripp St.

Commonwealth Farm 1761 is led by actor Jonathan Tucker, best known for his roles in HBO's "Westworld," the movie "The Virgin Suicides" and Showtime's "City on a Hill." Tucker's partners in the business include individuals experienced in Los Angeles's entertainment and nightlife industries.

Jordan Buky is one of Tucker's partners who has experience in LA's film and music industry as well as cannabis consultant experience. He is also the founder of Meristem Solutions, which oversees the design and build of cannabis grow facilities, according to his resume. John Derosa is another partner in the company who brings hospitality experience in the cannabis industry. He also owned and operated several restaurants in Los Angeles.

Commonwealth Farm 1761 has plans to establish an indoor cultivation facility on 12 acres of Eastleigh Farm. Products will be packaged and sold to wholesale dispensaries, not directly to customers. According to the company's business plan, the rent money will allow Eastleigh Farm to maintain their existing operations on the property.

Eastleigh Farm, located at 1062 Edmands Rd., has been struggling to stay afloat for years. The land was bought in 2002 by the current owner, Doug Stephan, with the intention of saving it from development and reconverting it into a dairy farm. By 2015 the farm stopped selling dairy products and refocused efforts on rebranding and bringing new business in.

The farm applied in July for a preliminary subdivision of the property. Opening part of the farm up to marijuana cultivation and product manufacturing could be the push the farm needed to stay alive.

Commonwealth Farms has plans to expand over five years, starting with 24,000 square feet of marijuana canopy and eventually expanding to a Tier 11 facility. Tier 11 is a state term for the largest facilities that can grow up to 100,000 square feet of canopy.

The company is negotiating a 99-year lease with Eastleigh Farm and the host community agreement with the city will require approval from the Planning Board for the site plan, according to The MetroWest Daily News.