Two medical marijuana sites in counties bordering Delaware were announced Monday the Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, the Baltimore Sun reported.
Selected were:
- SunMed Growers, Cecil County, marijuana grower.
- AFS Maryland, Wicomico County, marijuana processor.
The Cecil Whig reported that SunMed, based in Earleville, MD, is headed by Jacob Van Wingerden, president of Tidal Creek Growers a wholesale grower of potted plants.
In Delaware, the Compassion Center, located in an industrial park near Wilmington, has been open for more than a year.
The State of Delaware has launched a selection progress for a medical marijuana site or sites downstate.
The Sun reported that 15 centers, chosen from a field of 145 applicants, received approval from the commission. The Sun story also indicated that several of the successful candidates had political connections.
Similar criticism was made regarding the Compassion Center, which is headed by a well-connected former lobbyist, state trooper and staffer for U.S. Sen. Tom Carper.
The Compassion Center includes a heavily secured growing operation, as well as a dispensary for those able, get to get prescriptions to treat a variety of conditions that include pain from cancer and glaucoma.
In Maryland, the process included growers and processors, with Sun-Med planning to sell to processors.
The potential of landing license led at least one company to pay rent on warehouse space in anticipation of getting approval from the state.
Pennsylvania is also beginning the process of selecting medical marijuana growers.
Delaware has seen more calls for full legalization of marijuana. However, Gov. Jack Markell, whose term ends in January, ruled out that possibility.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Colin Bonini has floated the idea of legalizing marijuana, citing the presence and wider use of medical marijuana and legislation decriminalizing possession of small quantities.
