Businesses appeal Utah’s medical cannabis cultivator picks

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Six companies challenged Utah’s medical marijuana grower licensing selections, which could further delay the program rollout set for next year.

The state’s Division of Purchasing said Monday it received the appeals before Friday’s deadline from six unsuccessful applicants.

Some applicants complain that Utah is granting licenses to unqualified cultivators; others contend that issuing fewer than the allowed licenses will create a cannabis shortage.

Utah agriculture officials, hoping to avoid an oversupply, awarded eight licenses despite the law allowing up to 10 growers.

The appeals could cause delays because, under state law, licenses cannot be finalized until protests are resolved.

– Associated Press and Marijuana Business Daily