A draft of rules released today by the state would limit the number of medical marijuana growers in Ohio to 18 and slap a $20,000 application fee and $180,000 license fee on the top-tier grower positions.

For now, the rules suggest 12 “Level I” licenses at $200,000 and six “Level II” licenses at $20,000. That’s pricey, compared to other states. The specifics behind these grow op licenses aren’t super clear yet, but, for instance, the highest-level license for Colorado clocks in at $28,200.

In theory, applicants would compete for those 18 slots.

Final rules are expected in May 2017.

Recall that state leaders and various marijuana advocates (like Scene) railed against ResponsibleOhio’s Issue 3 last year, a ballot issue that would have legalized medical and recreational marijuana use. The primary concern among opponents: ResponsibleOhio capped grow licenses at 10, a “monopoly,” according to critics.

The Ohio Department of Commerce will continue to flesh out state rules for the medical marijuana initiative, which was approved by legislators this summer.

 

News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Proposed Rules Could Limit Medical Marijuana Growers To 18 In Ohio
Author: Eric Sandy
Contact: Scene
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Website: Scene