Medical Marijuana Takes Another Step Forward in Mass.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced on Friday that it had selected 20 dispensary applicants for the first medical marijuana licenses in the state following the successful 2012 initiative petition that legalized medical marijuana.  The complete list can be viewed at the DPH’s Medical Use of Marijuana Program’s website.  No licenses were awarded in Berkshire, Franklin, Dukes (Martha’s Vineyard) and Nantucket Counties, but DPH encouraged some “highly qualified” applicants who were not among those selected for their preferred location to consider alternative locations in those counties.  

The licenses are considered “provisional.”  DPH stated in its press release:

“All successful applicants will be required to demonstrate compliance with municipal rules, regulations, ordinances, and bylaws before opening. Dispensaries must also pass the MMJ Program’s inspection process prior to receiving full licensure. The inspection includes security, architectural review, growing requirements, and compliance with local zoning and laws.”