The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission delayed issuing more licenses to companies to grow and process medical marijuana on Thursday after a state judge prohibited the granting of the licenses because one company claimed the application process was botched.
The Legislative Black Caucus also asked the commission to postpone granting the licenses over concerns about whether minority-owned firms had a fair shot in this round of licenses, which was created by a state law meant to improve diversity in the fledgling industry.
The commission had been scheduled to announce the winners of four growing and 10 processing licenses during a public meeting Thursday in Annapolis. Instead, Chairman Brian Lopez said it would take more time to review the veracity of the applications for the coveted licenses. During the meeting, Lopez did not mention the order by the judge in Montgomery County, but acknowledged the concerns of the black caucus.
“We appreciate their comments and the feedback, and we will certainly look into the relevant issues and make sure we have resolution on those, as well,” said Lopez.
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