100 Applicants Seek Licenses To Operate Medical Marijuana Facilities

State health officials have received 100 applications from groups seeking licenses to open marijuana dispensaries.

Only applicants who were approved during an initial review phase were eligible to apply for the licenses during the second and final phase.

A maximum of 35 licenses are allowed under a voter-approved law that makes marijuana available to patients with certain medical conditions.

The law calls for at least one _ but no more than five _ dispensaries per county.

Applicants were asked to show they had local support and could comply with all municipal rules, regulations and bylaws.

Supporters say marijuana helps ease the symptoms of illnesses like cancer, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease.

A spokesman for the state Department of Public Health said the final review should be finished and the licenses awarded by early next year.  (Associated Press)