Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico Department of Health says it will issue licenses to a dozen new producers as part of the state's medical marijuana program.
The department made the announcement Monday after a committee whittled down the list of applicants from 86 and made a recommendation last month to Health Secretary Retta Ward. She made the final decision.
Officials considered a number of factors in narrowing the list of potential producers, including plans for production, security, sales and distribution, quality assurance and their agricultural experience.
Now, licensure for the 12 finalists is contingent upon their acceptance and demonstration of regulatory compliance.
This will bring the number of licensed nonprofit producers in New Mexico to 35.
Health officials say the finalists are located in Bernalillo, Chaves, Santa Fe, Taos and Valencia counties.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.