This cannabis facility could be repurposed into an AI data center
Harbor Farmz, a cannabis facility in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is being offered for repurposing into an AI data center due to the oversaturation of the cannabis industry. Founder and CEO Michael Ward claims a data center would use less water and energy than the current farm and benefit the community. The company is now awaiting potential buyers for the site.
Harbor Farmz, a cannabis facility in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is being offered for redevelopment as an AI data center. Founder and CEO Michael Ward cited the oversaturation of Michigan's cannabis market as the primary reason for this strategic shift, noting a significant drop in cannabis prices from $500 an ounce in 2020 to $58 currently.
Ward, who oversees 80 employees across three state locations, emphasized that this move is not an exit strategy for Harbor Farmz but rather an exploration of repurposing the Kalamazoo facility for a better community and economic use. He highlighted potential environmental benefits, stating that an AI data center would consume less water and energy than their current cannabis farm, which previously housed up to 7,500 plants. Ward acknowledged that data centers have become a controversial topic across Michigan due to community requests for their construction, and the company is now awaiting potential buyers for the Full Circle Drive facility.