DPH receives 181 medical marijuana dispensary applications

The Department of Public Health received 181 Phase 1 applications by the Aug. 22 deadline from nonprofits seeking to open a medical marijuana dispensary in the Commonwealth.

Applications were received for every county, ranging from 47 in Middlesex County to two in Nantucket County.

The DPH has posted a list of the applicants and proposed dispensary locations by county at www.mass.gov/medicalmarijuana.

Although the Phase 1 application required the nonprofits to indicate the municipality in which their dispensary would be located, at this time the DPH list does not identify the municipalities. The application notes that the DPH is aware that the proposed site may change as the application process moves to its second phase.

Along with a $1,500 non-refundable fee, the Phase 1 application required documentation of the applicant’s nonprofit status, proof that the applicant has at least $500,000 in its control, and information about each board member associated with the nonprofit.

The DPH says it will consider each applicant’s financial suitability and any prior involvement by the applicant or board members with the legal system related to felony drug issues.

Applicants that successfully complete the Phase 1 process will be invited to submit a Phase 2 application, which requires a non-refundable fee of $30,000. The DPH expects to complete its evaluation of the Phase 1 applications by mid-September.

Under the state’s medical marijuana law, passed by voters in 2012, the DPH may approve up to 35 dispensaries statewide, with at least one, but no more than five, per county.

Each dispensary will be required to pay a $50,000 annual registration fee. The application and registration fees will support the state’s implementation and enforcement of the medical marijuana program.