August 6th, 2016 by WCBC Radio
After long delays, a Maryland panel voted Friday to give initial approval to 15 medical marijuana growers and 15 processors in the state, but it will be at least several months before any of them gets final approval for a license.
The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission voted unanimously in the first stage of the licensing procedure. It also voted for five growers and five processors as alternates, in the event that any of the top 15 in each category ends up not receiving a license.
"This is not the end of the race," said Harry "Buddy" Robshaw, the vice chairman of the commission. "Obviously, it may be only the first or second lap, but this is real important."
In a surprise twist at Friday's meeting, the commission announced that two grower applicants initially placed in the top 15 were bumped to spots 16 and 17, because the top 15 did not include the geographic representation noted in the law. Companies that initially placed in the 21st and 20th spots were moved into the 14th and 15th positions.
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