JACKSONVILLE, IL – A former industrial landmark in Jacksonville is finding new life as a hub for artisanal cannabis cultivation. Wyvern Botanicals, a craft cannabis operation, has established its roots within the sprawling former ACH Food Cos. building, aiming to distinguish itself through a commitment to higher quality and more exotic strains, diverging from the path of larger commercial grow facilities.
Breathing New Life into an Industrial Giant
The expansive 78,000-square-foot facility, located at 1201 E. Morton Ave., has undergone years of renovation since sitting empty for an extended period. Originally built in 1953, the ACH Food Cos. building has a long history in Jacksonville, having housed various food processing operations over the decades. Wyvern Botanicals secured its state license to operate in 2021, commencing construction in 2023, and finally received approval to introduce plants into the building on April 15, 2025. As of November 2025, the company had already completed three harvests.
The Craft Cannabis Philosophy
Wyvern Botanicals’ approach mirrors that of a craft brewery, emphasizing meticulous attention to detail and superior product over sheer volume. Chief Operating Officer Kelly Mizeur explained that the company focuses on strains that are “a little more exotic and a little bit more difficult to grow,” dedicating more time to cultivation, harvesting, and hand-trimming. This dedication ensures “smaller scale, higher quality” cannabis.
The company was initially approved to cultivate cannabis in 5,000 square feet of the facility. Recently, it received approval to expand its dedicated growing space to 14,000 square feet. This controlled expansion is a fraction of the size of typical commercial operations, which can span up to 200,000 square feet, underscoring Wyvern’s commitment to its craft approach.
A Growing Operation and Workforce
Wyvern Botanicals is not only expanding its cultivation footprint but also its team. The company plans to grow its workforce from its current 22 employees to between 40 and 50 individuals by the end of the year. This expansion is accompanied by ambitions to broaden its product offerings beyond just cannabis flower. Future plans include the development of vaping devices, edibles, drinks, and pre-rolls, aiming to cater to a wider consumer market.
The significant investment required for such an operation is considerable, with HVAC systems alone for eight grow rooms costing nearly $3 million. The company is navigating the regulatory landscape, having received state approval and licensing, and working through local zoning requirements. Concerns regarding potential odors have been addressed by implementing sophisticated indoor systems designed to mitigate such nuisances.
Community and Economic Impact
Wyvern Botanicals intends to be more than just a business within Jacksonville; it aims to “give back to the Jacksonville community.” This aligns with a broader trend in the cannabis industry, where community outreach and corporate citizenship are increasingly recognized as vital for regulatory relations, competitive advantage, and customer attraction. The company also expresses a desire to collaborate with local dispensaries to offer a “local, Jacksonville-grown product.”
The establishment of Wyvern Botanicals represents a tangible economic benefit for the area. The cannabis industry, both medical and recreational, is a significant economic driver. In Florida alone, the medical marijuana industry is valued at over $1.2 billion and is expected to grow, generating thousands of jobs and considerable tax revenue. Nationally, the U.S. cannabis industry is projected to reach approximately $45 billion in revenue by 2025, contributing substantially to economies through job creation and investment. Wyvern’s expansion will contribute to this economic growth by creating new employment opportunities and revitalizing a historically significant industrial site.
The Evolving Cannabis Landscape
The Jacksonville operation is part of a larger movement towards quality and sustainability in cannabis cultivation. The craft cannabis market is experiencing steady growth, driven by tech advancements and increasing environmental awareness, with growers focusing on sustainable practices like living soil and recycled water. As Illinois has had legal recreational marijuana since January 1, 2020, and with ongoing discussions about expanding access in states like Florida, the demand for diverse and high-quality cannabis products continues to rise. While the industry navigates evolving regulations and market trends, operations like Wyvern Botanicals are poised to shape the future of cannabis, blending historical industrial spaces with modern cultivation techniques.
Wyvern Botanicals’ presence in Jacksonville signifies a commitment to redefining cannabis cultivation through a focus on quality, innovation, and community engagement. As their operations expand, they are set to become a notable player in the burgeoning craft cannabis market, breathing new economic and agricultural life into the former factory space.
