Medical Marijuana Growers, Processors Picked by Maryland Officials

BALTIMORE, MD — More than two dozen companies from across Maryland were selected Monday as potential growers and processors of medial marijuana in the state, the first big step toward dispensing the drug for sufferers of epilepsy and other ailments.

The Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission announced the names of the 15 growers and 15 processors who have received license pre-approvals; the firms come from counties all around the state.

Dr. Paul W. Davies, chairman of the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission said, “I’m excited that we have a great number of outstanding companies willing to help sick people in Maryland.”

Medical researchers say marijuana can be effective for nerve pain relief, preventing nausea for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, fighting muscle spasms and stiffness in multiple sclerosis patients, and in preventing seizures in epileptics and others with seizure disorders, says Prevention.com.

Medical cannabis is not expected to be available from Maryland dispensaries until next year.

Some of the businesses selected Monday have political ties, reports The Baltimore Sun. For example, the clinical director of Doctors Orders Maryland, which was approved for licenses to both grow and process medical marijuana, is Del. Dan K. Morhaim, a Baltimore County Democrat and physician who pushed for medical cannabis in the legislature. And, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller wrote a letter of recommendation for Holistic Industries of Prince George's County.

The only Anne Arundel County company selected as a grower -- ForwardGro -- lists former Anne Arundel County Sheriff George Johnson as one of its advisors, while advocate and Annapolis resident Gail Rand is its chief financial officer, reports the Capital-Gazette.

“We are delighted that ForwardGro was selected,” said Rand in a news release, who became involved in the Maryland legislative process surrounding medical cannabis and the potential uses for her epileptic son. Through her advocacy work, Rand organized a non-profit called Stop the Seizures. “Now, we can apply our greenhouse growing experience, medical knowledge and business expertise to effectively grow quality and consistent medical cannabis in our greenhouses.”

“To be able to enhance the lives of patients, including those who are dealing with chronic and severe pain, is extremely important to me as a physician,” said Dr. Debra Kimless, an anesthesiologist and researcher of the medical use of cannabis for pain management, cancer, and as an opioid replacement, and a part of ForwardGro. “Treating conditions with medical cannabis will improve the quality of life for so many Marylanders by easing and managing pain, preventing seizures, and reducing nausea from chemotherapy as well as other treatments. I am grateful that Maryland has recognized the importance of this.”

The grower companies selected are:

• Curio Cultivation LLC, Baltimore County
• Doctors Orders Maryland LLC, Dorchester County
• Forward Gro LLC, Anne Arundel County
• Freestate Wellness LLC, Howard County
• Green Leaf Medical LLC, Frederick County
• Grow West MD LLC, Garrett County
• Harvest of Maryland LLC, Washington County
• HMS Health LLC, Frederick County
• Holistic Industries LLC, Prince George’s County
• Kind Therapeutics USA LLC, Washington County
• Maryland Compassionate Care and Wellness LLC, Carroll County
• MaryMed LLC, Dorchester County
• Shore Natural Rx LLC, Worcester County
• SunMed Growers LLC, Cecil County
• Temescal Wellness of MD LLC, Baltimore City

• AFS Maryland LLC, Wicomico County
• Blair Wellness Center LLC, Worcester County
• Chesapeake Alternatives LLC, Queen Anne’s County
• Curio Manufacturing LLC, Baltimore County
• Doctors Orders Maryland LLC, Dorchester County
• FGM Processing LLC, Charles County
• Holistic Industries LLC, Prince George’s County
• Kind Therapeutics USA LLC, Washington County
• Maryland Compassionate Care and Wellness LLC, Carroll County
• MaryMed LLC, Dorchester County
• Pharmaculture Corporation, Allegany County
• Pro Green Medical LLC, Frederick County
• Rosebud Organics LLC, Montgomery County
• Seven Points Agro-Therapeutics LLC, Prince George’s County
• Temescal Wellness of MD, Baltimore City

The companies chosen for pre-approval are not guaranteed a license, said state officials, since moe background and financial checks lie ahead.

The growers will cultivate a variety of strains ranging in cannabinoid content from a low to high spectrum of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), and the processors will make a variety of cannabis-infused products in oils, pills, capsules, and topical forms such as ointments, salves, and transdermal patches, among other varieties.