Denied a Medical Marijuana Cultivator License? Maybe Not.
Published: Dec 06, 2017 by John IzzoEvery application received by the Ohio Department of Commerce for a cultivator license was reviewed and given a grade. The twelve top-graded applications in each category received a provisional license.
Recent articles from the Cincinnati Enquirer, Cleveland Plain Dealer, and Columbus Dispatch have called into question the integrity of the grading system. One of the reviewers is reported to be a felon who pled guilty in 2005 to possession with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance in Pennsylvania.
This is ironic, because the grader, who played a part in determining who received licenses in Ohio, was not eligible for a license himself. Persons with felony drug offenses are not allowed to participate in Ohio’s Medical Marijuana program.
State officials including Auditor of State David Yost, Lt. Governor Mary Taylor, and State Representative Larry Householder have called for the licensing process to be stopped until it can be further reviewed. The granting and denial of medical marijuana cultivator licenses will continue to garner more scrutiny, and will likely affect who does and does not receive a provisional license.
If you had any problems applying for a medical marijuana cultivator or dispensary license, or have concerns about the denial of your application, you should talk with an attorney at Graff & McGovern. John Izzo can be reached at johnizzo@grafflaw.com or 614-228-5800, extension 5.