DPH Requires Proof Of Local Backing Before Issuing Pot Licenses

State public health officials say proposed medical marijuana dispensaries will be required to verify they have support from local officials before they are granted final licenses.

The Department of Public Health on Jan. 31 awarded 20 provisional licenses to operate dispensaries, the first in Massachusetts under a voter-approved law that allows marijuana to be used by patients with certain medical conditions.

The Boston Globe reported that two groups awarded provisional licenses for dispensaries in Boston and Haverhill may have misrepresented in their applications the level of support they had with local officials.

DPH said in a statement Thursday that it would take very seriously any allegation that an applicant provided false information.

The agency said all applications for dispensaries were signed under the penalties of perjury.   (Associated Press)