Ultimately, it wasn’t difficult for Rosie Creek Farm owner Mike Emers to make the decision that he hopes will earn his family a significant pay raise. But there are drawbacks, that include paying for an eight foot fence to surround his fields and cameras to cover the property. He also is dealing with concerns about safety and security for his family. “And that my kids can’t come onto the farm anymore,” Emers said. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to be on the premises of a marijuana business.

Despite these issues, Emers sees the positive. “I love growing plants. This is another challenge for me.”