185 applications for Ohio’s 24 medical cannabis grow licenses

Ohio received 185 applications for medical marijuana cultivation licenses by the June 30 deadline, and state regulators now must whittle that number to the 24 growers that ultimately will receive permits.

Of the 185 applications, 109 are for Level I licenses, which allow grows up to 25,000 square feet, The Columbus Dispatch reported. The other 76 applications are for Level II licenses, which allow sites up to 3,000 square feet. After winning a license, cultivators can apply for larger grow spaces.

Level I licenses will cost $180,000 for the first year and $200,000 for annual renewals, according to the newspaper. Level II licensees will initially pay $18,000 and then $20,000 in subsequent years.

Three companies – ICann Consulting of Ohio, B&B Grow Solutions of Illinois and Meade & Wing of Arizona – will assist state MMJ regulators in scoring the applications, according to the Dispatch. Applications will be judged on criteria that include finances, operations and security.

Familiar names on the list of applicants include Pharma Cann and Cresco Labs, both headquartered in Illinois.