The Department of Public Health has released the Phase 1 application for nonprofits seeking to operate a registered marijuana dispensary (RMD) in Massachusetts.

The application, due on Aug. 22 with a $1,500 non-refundable application fee, requires the applicant to indicate the city or town and the county in which the RMD would be located. It notes that the DPH is aware that the proposed site may change as the application process moves to its second phase.

In addition to the city or town in which the RMD would be located, the application requires 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.

In weighing each application, the DPH will consider both financial suitability and any prior involvement on the part of the applicant or board members with the legal system around felony drug issues.

After Aug. 22, the DPH will post a list of the applicants and proposed RMD locations on its website (www.mass.gov/medicalmarijuana).

Applicants that successfully complete the Phase 1 application process will be invited to submit a Phase 2 application, with a non-refundable $30,000 application fee.

Under the voter-approved medical marijuana law of 2012, the DPH may approve up to 35 RMDs statewide this year, with at least one, but no more than five, per county. Each RMD 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.

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