(Columbus, Oh.) - Hundreds of applicants who want to grow medical marijuana in Ohio include long-time natives and out-of-state investors.
The state accepted applications during the month of June and will now decide among the 185 submissions for 24 cultivator licenses. Investors say they plan to spend millions if they're selected by constructing facility's and hiring workers.
The 24 licences fall into two categories, 12 licences will be issued under a Level 1 that calls for up to 25,000 square feet of space at the cultivation site. Another 12 Licences will be issued under Level 2 with up to 3,000 square feet of growing space.
The state will also license 40 processors who will make marijuana oils, tinctures, patches and edible products allowed by law, 60 dispensaries and an unknown number of testing labs.
The Associated Press reports that among those who applied are construction magnates, toy tycoons and an heir to the Jim Bean whiskey fortune. Former Olympic basketball player Oscar Robertson has invested in a venture as well.
Applicants do agree that Ohio's marijuana program has gone smoothly so far but some applicants reportedly wish Ohio had implemented "locals-only" rules because of the high stakes involved. Legal experts have questioned whether a quota for minority-owned businesses would stand in court.
The application process itself is expensive, state-imposed fees saw larger cultivators pay a $20,000 nonrefundable application fee. Those who are selected will then pay a $180,000 license fee. The cultivars will then be required to renew their licence yearly shelling out $200,000 a year.
The state hasn't announced when licenses will be issued.
Several City's across Ohio have expressed concern about cultivation sites being constructed inside the city limits and have implemented bans or set moratoriums in-place to further review the possible impact on the city.
Several local city's that have restrictions in-place include:
Sharonville, in Hamilton County: Six-month moratorium
Springfield, in Clark County: Five-month moratorium
Fairfield, in Butler County: Ban
Middletown, in Butler County: Ban
Hamilton, in Butler County: Ban
Kettering, in Montgomery County: One-year moratorium
Vandalia, in Montgomery County: Ban
Trotwood, in Montgomery County: Six-month ban