May 18th, 2017 by WCBC Radio
The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission yesterday gave final approval to the first growing operation in the state. ForwardGro was approved Wednesday during a meeting in LaPlata. WCBC News has learned that Grow West MD, which was selected as a grower/processor of medical marijuana to be located in Garrett County, wants to move to Allegany County, and is fairly confident it will receive approval from the state commission. Local sources contacted about the potential move could not confirm it, but did not deny that the move could be in the offing, indicating there would be no announcement until the state commission would issue a ruling. When selected, Grow West MD was initially interested in locating in the Keyser's Ridge Industrial Park in Garrett County, with an initial operation of 40 employees that could grow to 100 after start up. Grow West MD's website still reflects a commitment to Garrett County, and the company had conducted a "Meet and Greet" there after being selected as a grower last year. It's been over four years since medical cannabis was approved in Maryland, and the process has been both slow and controversial. Several minority interests have challenged the lack of diversity among those selected, and a move to address that legislatively failed in the final days of the 2017 session of the Maryland General Assembly. There have also been court challenges, with one minority applicant seeking an emergency injunction against the commission issuing any licenses because it allegedly did not insure racial diversity.
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