State announces intent to issue 22 new medical marijuana licenses

Marijuana leaves. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Florida is finally issuing 22 highly sought-after medical marijuana licenses, nearly 18 months after applications were submitted and reviewed by state officials.

The state’s medical marijuana industry is tightly regulated, and only those with a license can grow, process and sell medical marijuana. The state announced its decision to issue 22 additional licenses after 5 p.m. Tuesday on the eve of the state shutdown ahead of Thanksgiving.

Once the decision is finalized, the number of medical marijuana licenses in the state will increase to 47.

But industry insiders say Tuesday’s decision can and will be appealed. Rejected sellers have 21 days, starting Nov. 26, to notify the state in writing of their intent to appeal.

“Almost everyone who receives a license denial letter will appeal the license. It will significantly delay the licensing process, because licenses will most likely not be issued until this litigation process is over, and this litigation process can take anywhere from six months to a year, possibly longer,” said Paula Savchenko. attorney and cannabis industry consultant. “We may see a legislative fix, but obviously nothing is guaranteed.”

Savchenko represented Belushi’s Farm Florida, which has ties to actor Jim Belushi. He has run a 93-acre farm in Oregon since 2015, and the Discovery Channel aired a show focusing on Belushi’s efforts in the marijuana business.

Amendment 3

Florida is expanding its medical marijuana market just weeks after failing to meet the 60% threshold that Amendment 3 needed to pass. The initiative aimed to allow recreational marijuana sales in the state.

Gov. Ron DeSantis campaigned against the change and criticized Trulieve, a company that has spent more than $140 million on the effort, for having a monopoly on Florida’s medical marijuana market. But the company pushed back on the governor’s words, urging the administration to finally grant the 22 licenses after months of unexplained delay.

Trulieve released a statement saying it was pleased the licenses were “finally granted”.

“We look forward to working with the governor and legislature to expand access to safe, laboratory-tested cannabis for Floridians,” the company said in a statement.

74 applications were made to the state from organizations wishing to obtain a license.