Florida Awards 22 New Medical Marijuana Business Licenses After 18-Month Wait
The state of Florida has finally issued 22 highly sought-after medical marijuana licenses, nearly 18 months after the applications were submitted and reviewed by state authorities. The licenses will bring the total number of medical marijuana licenses in the state to 47.
The announcement comes just weeks after Amendment 3, a measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana in the state, failed to pass. The initiative sought to allow the sale of recreational marijuana in Florida, but it fell short of the 60% threshold needed to pass.
The medical marijuana industry in Florida is tightly regulated, and only those with a license can cultivate, process, and sell medical marijuana. The state’s decision to award the additional licenses is a significant step forward for the industry, which has been waiting for months for the licenses to be issued.
However, the decision can be appealed by rejected vendors, which could delay the licensing process. Those who were denied a license have 21 days to notify the state in writing of their intent to appeal. The appeals process could take several months to a year to complete.
The awarding of the licenses is a significant development for the medical marijuana industry in Florida, which has been growing rapidly in recent years. The state’s medical marijuana market is expected to continue to expand in the coming years, with many companies looking to enter the market.
The decision to award the licenses was welcomed by Trulieve, a company that has been a major player in the medical marijuana industry in Florida. The company spent over $140 million on the effort to pass Amendment 3, and it has been critical of the state’s delay in issuing the licenses.
“We continue to look forward to working with the governor and legislature to expand access to safe lab-tested cannabis for Floridians,” the company said in a statement.
The awarding of the licenses is a significant step forward for the medical marijuana industry in Florida, and it is expected to bring new opportunities for patients and businesses alike.
