Gov. Larry Hogan appointed 10 people to serve on Maryland’s medical marijuana commission, filling three vacancies and replacing six commissioners whose terms had expired.
The 16-member commission, which has been overseeing the implementation of the state’s medical marijuana program, has faced criticism from the Legislative Black Caucus and others. Critics said the commission lacked diversity and accused it of using a corrupt process when it issued pre-approved licenses to 15 growers and processors last year.
The process, the critics claim, resulted in no minority-owned businesses receiving licenses. The Natalie M. LaPrade Medical Cannabis Commission, chaired by Paul W. Davies, said it changed its rankings to ensure geographic diversity.
In April, Hogan ordered his Office of Minority Affairs to conduct a disparity study. Depending on the results of the study, the legislature could pass legislation next year to allow the commission to issue additional licenses to minority-owned companies.