San Diego Dispensary Applicants Trip Each Other Up

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Entrepreneurs hoping to open dispensaries in San Diego are competing aggressively with each other before even opening their doors.

Some applicants for dispensary licenses are reportedly appealing environmental exemptions given to potential competitors also seeking city approval to open MMJ centers.

Under San Diego’s new MMJ rules, every dispensary applicant must receive the exemptions in order to win a license. While a handful of applicants have largely completed the process and are hoping to open early next year, some are now facing appeals filed by other applicants.

The moves could bog down the permitting process and delay the opening of some dispensaries by weeks.

Attorney Jessica McElfresh told the San Diego Union-Tribune that those filing appeals are abusing the process and aren’t actually concerned about the impact on the environment. Rather, they are simply trying to introduce roadblocks for competitors.

Those who have faced appeals will have to wait until Jan. 13 for the city council to rule on the challenges.