Maryland approves 7 more medical cannabis dispensaries

Maryland regulators approved seven additional medical marijuana dispensaries and one processor, their latest step to expand the state’s recently launched MMJ industry.

The state now has almost 50 licensed dispensaries, The Sun reported. More than 40 are open, according to the newspaper, a sign that the state’s long-delayed MMJ program is gaining traction.

Eventually, 102 MMJ dispensaries are expected to be in operation. About 28,000 patients are registered to buy medical marijuana products.

Maryland lawmakers earlier this week also agreed to expand the number of cultivators and processors, in large part to resolve concerns over the lack of minority representation.

A study published earlier this year highlighted the need for more diversity in Maryland’s medical marijuana program.