Maryland clears two medical cannabis firms to open for business

Maryland medical marijuana regulators have approved licenses for two cannabis businesses that were under investigation for potential conflicts of interest.

The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) – which found no evidence to disqualify the two businesses from operating – also licensed three other dispensaries, bringing the state’s total to six, The Washington Post reported.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Doctor’s Orders in Dorchester County was under investigation because Maryland state delegate Dan Morhaim failed to disclose he was a paid consultant for the company.
• Temescal Wellness in Baltimore County was being probed because a person listed as its general manager is married to a woman who was hired to review MMJ business applications. The reviewer and her spouse said they weren’t privy to each other’s affiliations.
• Dispensary applicants Peninsula Alternative Health in Wicomico County, Allegany (County) Medical Marijuana, and Southern Maryland Relief in St. Mary’s County were also granted licenses.
• The MMCC expects medical marijuana dispensaries to begin sales in January 2018.