ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - A newspaper has found that several experts who reviewed Maryland medical marijuana business applicants had ties to companies they reviewed.
The Washington Post obtained records that show potential conflicts of interest and reports that the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission is investigating. Final licenses are set to be awarded in August.
The newspaper reports that potential conflicts include a woman who said she had "no known relationships" with applicants, but later reviewed an application for a company where her husband was a manager and was affiliated with a Massachusetts marijuana retailer she co-founded.
The Regional Economic Studies Institute at Towson University oversaw experts reviewing the applications and cited a "double-blind" process. Marijuana advocates say it's tough to find people in the small industry with expertise but no connections to companies.