(Dec. 15, 2016) Medical marijuana in Maryland is only a year away and it appears that at least one dispensary will be operating in Worcester County.
The state devised a three-tiered system, dividing the new industry into growers, processors and dispensaries. Growers and processors were awarded preliminary approvals in August, and the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission just announced the preliminary approvals for dispensaries this past Friday.
Currently, the state is limiting the number of dispensaries to two per state senate district, with exceptions made for certain growers that also applied for a dispensary license, though no providers availed themselves of this option locally.
State Senate district 38, which is represented by Jim Mathias and contains all of Worcester and Somerset counties, as well as portions of Wicomico will be represented by Positive Energy LLC and OC Botanicals LLC.
Positive Energy LLC is owned by Matt Odachowski, of Snow Hill. Odachowski had applied for all three types of licenses, but only received one for a dispensary.
“Positive Energy’s goal is to serve the needs of its patients with care and compassion. Based on a holistic balance of naturally occurring components, we will provide the most effective medicinal cannabis products available for the improvement of human health while working in accordance with the MMCC to develop a stable, professional cannabis industry in Maryland,” said Lyndsey Odachowski, daughter of Matt, who will be involved in the new venture.
She confirmed Positive Energy LLC’s dispensary would be open within the next year depending on product availability.
Matt Odachowski said during an information session last year he intended to locate his combined grow/process and dispensary operation at the Royal Plus facility he operates in Snow Hill, although a change in venue is a possibility because of the reduced scope of the operation.
Pre-approval awardees have a meeting scheduled with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission later this month, and Lyndsey Odachowski said the company would hold off on making a decision until after that meeting.
Matt Odachowski said he owned several suitable properties to house the operation. The Snow Hill mayor, Charlie Dorman, and council sent a letter to the commission endorsing the Odachowskis’ efforts during the application phase last year.
Little is known about OC Botanicals LLC. The firm does not have a website or social media presence, and the only search engine results on the name are published media reports and the news release from the commission announcing the awardees.
The pre-approved dispensary candidates continue to stage two of the process, which includes criminal background investigations, financial due diligence, compliance inspections by the commission, completing regulatory requirements, raising capital and securing local zoning approvals and facilities.
The commission will then vote for licensure during a public meeting once the regulatory requirements are met.