Commission expects more lawsuits to be filed after the initial round.
Alabama authorities are poised to begin doling out medical marijuana business permits as soon as Monday.
Although it’s uncertain just how many licenses the state’s Medical Cannabis Commission will award next week, commissioners could deliver the state limit in one fell swoop, which, according to the Alabama Daily News, includes:
- 12 cultivation permits
- Four processor permits
- Four dispensary licenses
- Five permits for vertically integrated companies
There’s also an unspecified number of transport and testing lab licenses up for grabs.
The commission took in 90 license applications earlier this year, and just this past week overcame a legal challenge filed by one applicant who had asked a court to delay the licensing.
But The judge in that case has not ruled on the request for a stay as of Friday afternoon, the Alabama Daily News reported, clearing the way for the commission to award permits on Monday.
Although at least some of the license winners will be named on Monday, they won’t receive their actual permits until all fees and paperwork are paid and filed, and licenses are expected to be issued July 10.
A commission spokesman said he expects the state’s MMJ market to launch either late this year or early 2024, but noted that litigation could stall the rollout, since there have already been three suits filed.
“We’re bound to get more lawsuits,” the commission’s executive director, John McMillan, told the Alabama Daily News. “That could have a potential impact.” (Full Story)