Chromtech Introduces CBD Processing Technology to Vegreville

Chromtech Introduces CBD Processing Technology to Vegreville

Emily Mailhot Reporter – Vegreville News Advertiser

After years of waiting, the building formerly known as Vegreville’s “Trans-Canada” building is now occupied with a company who aims to bring state-of-the-art cannabis processing technology to Canada. Chromtech, a company who has been processing medical-grade cannabis in China for years and has offices based out of Calgary, chose Vegreville as their ideal location, according to CEO Eric Cong.

“When we decided to open our first plant in Canada, there was no question in my mind that Alberta would be the right choice,” said Cong, “My partners and I went to school here, and I love Western Canada. It is also a good location because of the agriculture community within the province.”

“Beyond that,” Cong continued, “The newest legislation requires new businesses to be operation-ready before they can receive a license, and after some shopping around other areas in the province, we chose Vegreville because of the building, support from the community, and the close proximity to the RCMP station, which gives an added sense of security.”

The plant will be used to extract medical-grade CBD (cannabinoid) from the cannabis plant by pressing the leaves and boiling them to create an oil. Since Chromtec is awaiting patents for their technology in both Canada and the United States, they were unable to share the specific steps, however, their technology is well-known in China and has been used there for many years. Cong says that while many people are aware of the difference between THC and CBD, he finds it important to clarify with the community that Chromtec is not a marijuana company. “Our process draws the CBD oil out of the plant so that it can be used in medicine for many purposes. It can be used for pain relief, to treat the symptoms of some medical conditions, to calm the nerves, and even to reduce the psychoactive response to THC (marijuana).”

Chromtech was officially welcomed to Vegreville at a Town Council meeting on May 27th and has since been working on getting

organized enough to meet all the requirements to qualify for their license. “This legislation makes sense,” said Cong, “I think when cannabis was first legalized, there were a lot of businesses who got their license and then took a long time to open, or didn’t wind up opening at all. This way, at least, everyone who gets a license can go into business immediately.” After phase one of Chromtec is complete, the facility will be up and running. As for future plans, other phases of their establishment in Canada will include additions and other buildings to the Vegreville facility to increase their capacity. At the end of the day, Cong says that he expects they will create around 200 jobs with varying requirements. “Of course it will be possible for some positions to be filled by local people, and there will be others where we will have to find employees with certain levels of experience or education in the field.”

Cong added that he hopes to hire as many local people as possible, and looks forward to being a part of the Vegreville community. “This is a very good place for us to be. We have enjoyed the support and encouragement of Innotech Alberta, as well as other businesses in town. I have confidence that Chromtech and Vegreville can be equally good for one another.” “There is a high demand in the market right now,” concluded Cong. “We are excited to get started as soon as possible.”