Hemp Farm Boosting Security After Increase in Visitors

A North Carolina growing area for marijuana is getting increased security.

• By Sydny Shepard
• Aug 07, 2018

A North Carolina garden is getting a lot of attention for its interesting variety of crops. The garden of marijuana is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations in the state.

Visitors have flocked to the hemp garden in Buncombe County to see the first place in the state that is growing industrial hemp. Owner Franny Tacy says people have come from around the country to see and learn about her crop.

Unfortunately, the visitors are just getting out of hand. Tacy says people are showing up unannounced and sometimes way after hours, after the dark has settled.

"If people are doing something in the dark of night, behind a locked gat and electric netting, then it is probably not something they would be doing during the day," Tacy said.

In order to cut down on the unwanted visitors, Tacy is making tours of the hemp garden "appointment only" and installing new security features to deter anyone from coming on the premises after hours.

Tacy told local news stations that she has implemented motion activated lights, access control devices accessed through coded locks and even a drone security system that is motion activated as well.

Tacy has also implemented some not so high tech security measures, putting up hand-stenciled signs on the road leading in tell potential visitors that there are no activities for those dropping in. The garden and Tacy's other properties in the area are now private events only.