Aphria's new Leamington cannabis extraction facility needs skilled workers

From chocolatesto Listerine strips, cannabis producer Aphriais setting out to make a grand expansion to its Leamington, Ont. facility and they need skilled workers.

The company's CEO Vic Neufeld announced last weekthe company was raising $225 million for expansions, with $55 million set aside for "cannabis extraction."

"We are actively pursuing various infused products from a research and development perspective," Neufeldsaid.

• Aphria CEO 'handcuffed' by proposed cannabis advertising laws, supports some Senate suggestions

His company is working with their related company, Florida-basedLiberty Health Sciences, as well as industry experts in Colorado, Washington, and Oregon, on coming up with state-of-the-art oils that can be used in a variety of cannabis products.

"As we ponder what the next 12 months of adult usein Canada is going to be ... there is language in [federal Bill] C-45 that indicates that government is prepared to advance other product offerings with a cannabis space to it," said Neufeld.

The cannabis extracts will be used to make edible products like chocolate bars, tea bags, andrapid-dissolve technology like Listerine strips.

Neufeld said he's searching right across North America to find employees who can make these products happen.

"I could see anywhere from 20 or 30 employees but these are going to be not general greenhouse labourers, rather semi to skilled employees that know how to run an oil distillate," he said.

The search is now on for chemists, chocolatiersand other types of inventors with a scientific background.

The modern extraction facilitywill be able to process more than 200 tonnes of cannabis annually, and Neufeld anticipates the oil extraction aspect will give Aphria a competitive edge.

Although the business expansion is already underway, Neufeld notes final production depends on the outcome of Bill C-45Canada's legislationfor the legalization of recreational marijuana, whichjust received Senate approval including amendments.