More than 100 Applied for Medical Marijuana Permits in Massachusetts

More than 100 groups have applied to operate medical marijuana dispensaries in Massachusetts, according to the Boston News.

The applicants are competing for a maximum of 35 licenses allowed under a law voters approved in November which will make medical marijuana available to patients suffering from certain medical conditions like cancer, AIDS and Parkinson's disease.

"Officials were excited with the turnout and response," said Cheryl Bartlett, Department of Public Health Commissioner.

Prospective operators were required to hand deliver their initial applications to the Department of Public Health at three in the afternoon of Thursday, at the latest.

"We are glad that it was a highly competitive process and it will ensure patients' access to the medical use of marijuana in the Commonwealth," said Bartlett.

Officials will conduct background checks and screen applicants for financial viability as part of the first phase of a two-step selection process.

Groups that pass the initial review will be invited to submit a final application along with a $30,000 non-refundable fee.

A selection committee will then score the final applicants.

Bartlett told the Boston News that the final list and number of applicants will be released on Friday and they hope to accomplish the initial reviews by mid-September.

They are hoping to award licenses by the end of the year.