Photo: SpeakEasy Cannabis

A publicly traded cannabis company based in Rock Creek, B.C. has received federal approval to start cultivating cannabis at its 290-acre complex.

SpeakEasy Cannabis announced Tuesday it had been granted approval by Health Canada to start growing cannabis immediately inside a 10,000-square-foot indoor facility. The company has also converted an adjacent 60-acre orchard with plans to start growing cannabis outdoors during the 2020 growing season, pending additional approval.

“Receiving our licence at long last, is a dream come true for all of us in the SpeakEasy family. The support we have received from shareholders, employees, family and friends has been overwhelming and I appreciate you all more than I can say,” said company founder Marc Geen in a news release.

Once the outdoor field is licensed and up and running, the SpeakEasy says it will be able to produce about 150,000 kilograms of cannabis annually.

The company has been building out its 290-acre complex near Rock Creek since 2017, which will include 80,000 square feet worth of buildings upon completion in addition to the outdoor grow space.