Worcester Business Journal

6 Worcester Business Journal | January 11, 2021 | wbjournal.com C annabis is coming to South- bridge, but with a decidedly veterans-focused approach. Green Meadows Farm, run by CEO Robert H. Pat- ton, the grandson of famed World War II hero General George S. Patton Jr., is scheduled to open on Mill St. sometime in 2021. e company has received a provisional license from the Massachu- setts Cannabis Control Commission to operate a recreational dispensary, al- though it could be several months before the firm receives final approval. Robert Patton himself is not a veteran, but the military and support of the mili- tary is a family endeavor. "It is something that's part of the con- sciousness as a family," he said. Robert's father established a farm in Hamilton, north of Boston, in 1981 aer he retired as a major general from the U.S. Army. "He made a remarkable switch from being a hardcore, dedicated military man to become a man of the soil dedi- cated to the green principals of horticul- ture," Robert said. Southbridge's first would-be marijuana company is opening with military veterans in mind, led by the grandson of a famous soldier BY JENNIFER L. GRYBOWSKI Special to the Worcester Business Journal Veteran cannabis Robert's mother took over the farm aer the major general passed away in 2004, and when she was nearing 90, the family got together to decide what to do next. Aer some discussion, they decided to pursue medical marijuana to help veterans with post traumatic stress disorder and long term pain. "When we realized we could do what we always wanted to do for veterans in terms of hiring, training, philanthropy – all those things that are important to our family – it suddenly became a fit," he said, noting the plan morphed into including adult use as well. Robert is an advisor to the Patton Veterans Project in New York City, the nonprofit founded in 2012 by his brother Benjamin Patton to help veterans and their families cope with post-deployment issues of PTSD and social isolation. e Patton family is also well-known for its support of other charities like Wounded Warrior Project, Operation Troop Support and National Military Family Association. Catering to veterans Green Meadows is incorporating a veterans focus to its business model. "e authentic mission we are bring- ing to the market in support of veterans will resonate," said Christian Zawacki, Green Meadows chief operating officer. Stephen Mandile, CEO of United Mass Wellness, Uxbridge selectmen, vet- eran and outspoken supporter of canna- bis use for veterans dealing with mental health issues, said cannabis options for veterans are more important than ever. "I share a path many other veterans share: I was injured and then over-med- icated," said Mandile, who credits can- nabis with helping him quit prescription opioids. "Having alternatives is huge." Mandile said businesses catering to veterans access a group of people with lots of buying power. "Veterans are a loyal customer base and will trek extra miles for business- es that go out of their way to support veterans," he said. When recreational marijuana sales first became legal in November 2018, the first-ever customer at Leicester dispensa- ry Cultivate – one of two dispensaries to kick off legal cannabis sales in Massa- chusetts – was Mandile. Green Meadows is committed to hiring as many veterans as possible in a variety of roles, and have done outreach to several agents of the veteran commu- nity to tap into the market. e company held an open house event on Veteran's Day as both a way to showcase what it will be offering and as a job fair. Green Meadows is committed to supporting other local veteran's organi- zations once it is operational. "It has been a family mission, and what has helped define our family with the things we have done over the course of decades," Robert Patton said. "We are exemplifying that by doing everything Robert H. Patton, CEO of Green Meadows Farm and grandson of General George S. Patton The team at Green Meadows Farm has been working closely with the Town of Southbridge in advance of its planned opening. PHOTOS/COURTESY GREEN MEADOWS FARM Green Meadows Farm in Southbridge hopes to start cannabis operations in January, although that will depend upon its final approvals from the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission.

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