Annapolis, MD – The state panel charged with determining who will be permitted to legally grow, process and dispense marijuana for medical purposes figures to be busy for the next several weeks. According to information from the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC), as of 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6, a total of 355 applications have been processed. Friday was the deadline for submitting applications. While 355 is the total number received prior to the deadline and processed, an undetermined number applications arrived just prior to the deadline’s expiration.
“The applications cover every county in the state,” MMCC spokesman David Curley said. The application breakdown shows 50 have applied to be growers, 36 for processor status and 269 applications were received to become licensed dispensers of medical marijuana.
“We’re very pleased not only with the number of applications we received but also the geographic diversity they represent,” stated MMCC Executive Director Hanna Byron. “The strong response generated indicates the state will have a sizable pool of well-qualified candidates to consider for licensure, thus ensuring the medical cannabis industry is self-funded by highly experienced operators as envisioned by the state legislature.”
The commission will select a maximum of 15 growers statewide for licensing, an unlimited number of processing licenses and up to two dispensaries per each of the state’s senatorial districts. The license pre-approvals are expected to be announced in January and medical cannabis is expected to become available in Maryland later in 2016.
In Southern Maryland, only the Charles County Commissioners have indicated receptiveness to the idea of having a medicinal marijuana facility located within the jurisdiction. Back in early October the commissioners voted unanimously to direct staff to move forward with zoning changes required for growing, processing and dispensing medical marijuana.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com