A proposed medical marijuana business has begun construction in Wallkill, despite not having final approval from the state.

The Times Herald Record reports, Valley Agriceuticals has broken ground on their new facility even though a decision isn't expected until July on who will be permitted to grow and distribute medical marijuana. The facility, located on Dosen Road in Wallkill, will sit on a 139 acre site.

The New York State Health Department is weighing applications from more than 40 companies. They are expected to choose just five statewide.

Valley Agriceuticals president Erik Holling, stated they took the risk so they can get product to the public sooner. If the July approval process goes through, they'll have the capability to distribute to patients in January of 2016.

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