"Six very strong applicants were selected, including minority-owned and women-owned businesses," Health Commissioner Shereef Elnahal said. "We'll meet with them early next year to refine their timetable for growing product and opening their doors."
There are still a few hurdles left before final approval is granted, officials said. The chosen applicants must pass background checks, provide evidence of a dispensary location and municipal approval, and "comply with all regulations under the Division of Medical Marijuana, including safety and security requirements."
DOH officials said they plan to make all 146 applications available for public review on the agency's webpage "next year."