November 13th, 2015 by WCBC Radio

The Cumberland Times News reports the commission responsible for licensing companies who wish to gain entrance in the medical marijuana industry in Maryland has received nearly 900 applications from businesses hoping to make the grade. Representatives from the Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission announced Thursday that 882 applications seeking grower, processor and dispenser licenses were received by the Nov. 6 deadline. "We couldn't be more pleased by the tremendous response to the application process," Hannah Byron, executive director for the cannabis commission, said via press release. The commission last year came under fire for setting some of the highest fees in the medical marijuana industry, charging $125,000 to growers for a two-year license and $40,000 for a dispensary, according to baltimoresun.com. Despite the costs, 102 applications were received from prospective growers, with 75 companies applying for a processor license and 705 applying for a dispensary license.  The commission said the number of dispensary applications was inflated because some companies applied for a dispensary license in several of Maryland's 47 senatorial districts. Commission rules state two dispensary licenses will be issued for each senatorial district. Some applicants hoping for a dispensary license applied in all 47 districts driving the numbers up.