[image-1]A draft of rules released today by the state would limit the number of medical marijuana growers in Ohio to 18 and slap a $20,000 application fee and $180,000 license fee on the top-tier grower positions.
For now, the rules suggest 12 "Level I" licenses at $200,000 and six "Level II" licenses at $20,000. That's pricey, compared to other states. The specifics behind these grow op licenses aren't super clear yet, but, for instance, the highest-level license for Colorado clocks in at $28,200.
In theory, applicants would compete for those 18 slots.
Final rules are expected in May 2017.
Recall that state leaders and various marijuana advocates (like Scene) railed against ResponsibleOhio's Issue 3 last year, a ballot issue that would have legalized medical and recreational marijuana use. The primary concern among opponents: ResponsibleOhio capped grow licenses at 10, a "monopoly," according to critics.
The Ohio Department of Commerce will continue to flesh out state rules for the medical marijuana initiative, which was approved by legislators this summer.
