May 7, 2010

State opens applications for pot shops

Kennebec Journal Staff

AUGUSTA -- The Department of Health and Human Services' Division of Licensing and Regulatory Services announced Wednesday it is accepting applications from nonprofit corporations to become dispensaries under Maine's Medical Use of Marijuana Act.

A dispensary system was established to assist registered patients whose physicians believe they will benefit from the medical use of marijuana for certain medical conditions.

Rules and application materials are available at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/dlrs

"The rules that have been established reflect the desires of prospective patients, the medical community, public safety, the Governor's Medical Marijuana Task Force and the people of Maine who voted in favor of a medical marijuana program," said DHHS Commissioner Brenda Harvey.

DHHS will select eight dispensaries, one in each of the state's eight public health districts.

Applicants must address a variety of topics, including the plan to operate as a nonprofit corporation long-term, convenience of location, prior business experience, patient education, record-keeping, inventory, quality control, security and staffing.

Each application must be accompanied by a $15,000 dispensary fee. Those who are not chosen will have all but $1,000 returned.

Applications will be accepted until 2 p.m. June 25. Award announcements will be July 9.

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