Massachusetts health officials have granted 20 licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries in the state.
The state’s Department of Public Health released its first round of grantees Friday after reviewing more than 100 applications. The law was approved by voters in 2012 and allows for 35 dispensaries with at least one in each of the state’s 14 counties. The 20 approved licenses fall in all but four counties. Those left out include Berkshire, Franklin, Dukes and Nantucket counties. Eight companies have been invited to seek alternative sites than originally proposed. It is unclear when the remaining 15 licenses will be granted. In a statement, the Massachusetts Medical Society said there is insufficient scientific information about the medical use of marijuana.