A former agricultural site located at East Gaskill Road in Willcox will be converted into a medical marijuana facility following this month's approval from the Cochise County Planning & Zoning Commission.

Peoria-based Green Desert Patient Center was given the go-ahead begin producing raw and unprocessed cannabis plant material in greenhouses. That material will then be transported to an off-site processing facility. Additional structures and equipment will be introduced in the facility such as cameras, fencing and secured access. 

The facility -- previously used to grow fruit, flowers and vegetables -- includes greenhouses and buildings that will be used by the company to cultivate medical marijuana. The facility site is located about 5 miles east of Kansas Settlement Road, and is surrounded by agricultural and vacant parcels.

Up to 20 jobs are expected to be created once the medical marijuana facility is complete.