Robert Celt
New Member
Businesses seeking licenses to participate in Maryland's medical marijuana program finally have a better idea about when those licenses will be divvied out.
The Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission said the first stage of approvals for grower and processor applicants should be announced by summer 2016. Greater Washington businesses seeking grower licenses include Bethesda Biomedical Inc. and Peak Harvest Health.
Approval for dispensary applicants - of which there were more than 800 - will follow, but a firm timeline has not yet been determined, officials said.
The commission is working with Towson University's Regional Economic Studies Institute to wade through the applications and develop a methodical approach to review them. After receiving more than 1,000 applications for licenses, Hannah Byron, the commission's executive director, cautioned that extra time would likely be needed for processing.
Earlier this month, Byron, the first executive director of the state commission tasked with establishing a medical marijuana industry in Maryland, announced her plans to step down at the end of January. The commission has not yet named her successor, who will be responsible for leading the program's shift from the organizational to operational phases.
Under Maryland state law, the commission can award a maximum of 15 grower licenses. Once applicants complete the first stage of approval, they have a year to fulfill requirements for licensure, pass final inspections and create a business, which can include raising capital, acquiring real estate, constructing facilities, installing equipment and hiring and training staff.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Maryland Revises Timeline To License Medical Marijuana Providers
Author: Tina Reed
Contact: Washington Business Journal
Photo Credit: Kathleen Lavine
Website: Washington Business Journal
The Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission said the first stage of approvals for grower and processor applicants should be announced by summer 2016. Greater Washington businesses seeking grower licenses include Bethesda Biomedical Inc. and Peak Harvest Health.
Approval for dispensary applicants - of which there were more than 800 - will follow, but a firm timeline has not yet been determined, officials said.
The commission is working with Towson University's Regional Economic Studies Institute to wade through the applications and develop a methodical approach to review them. After receiving more than 1,000 applications for licenses, Hannah Byron, the commission's executive director, cautioned that extra time would likely be needed for processing.
Earlier this month, Byron, the first executive director of the state commission tasked with establishing a medical marijuana industry in Maryland, announced her plans to step down at the end of January. The commission has not yet named her successor, who will be responsible for leading the program's shift from the organizational to operational phases.
Under Maryland state law, the commission can award a maximum of 15 grower licenses. Once applicants complete the first stage of approval, they have a year to fulfill requirements for licensure, pass final inspections and create a business, which can include raising capital, acquiring real estate, constructing facilities, installing equipment and hiring and training staff.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Maryland Revises Timeline To License Medical Marijuana Providers
Author: Tina Reed
Contact: Washington Business Journal
Photo Credit: Kathleen Lavine
Website: Washington Business Journal
