Dispensaries could be open in Hawaii in just over a year, as a bill establishing a licensing system for MMJ storefronts appears on its way to becoming law.
House Bill 321 will allow for up to 16 dispensaries for certified patients that could open as soon as July 2016, according to Pacific Business News. The state will be required to adopt interim rules by Jan. 4.
The bill was not on Gov. David Ige’s list of measures he said he planned to veto, meaning it will become law with or without his signature no later than July 14, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported. Ige said he remains concerned “about adequacy of funds provided and the aggressive timeline” called for in the bill, and indicated he may not officially sign it, according to Pacific Business News.
Applicants, who must have at least $1 million in the bank, must pay a non-refundable application fee of $5,000 for each license. If accepted, the applicant would pay a licensing fee of $75,000 within seven days or the license will be issued to the next qualified applicant.
Startup costs could range from $3 million to $5 million, local attorney Stephen Pingree told Pacific Business News.
