Medical Marijuana Applicants Get Green Light for Phase 2

By Louisa Hufstader and Joe Markman

Twelve of the 16 groups that submitted applications to become the state-approved medical marijuana providers in Plymouth County have passed the first round of the application process.

"Invited to Phase 2," as the Massachusetts Department of Public Health puts it, for Plymouth County are the following businesses, listed with their principals' names:


Alternative Compassion Services, Inc., Stephen Werther

Bay Area Apothecary, Inc., Ken Sobel

Ermont Inc., John Hudson

Herbal Care Center, Inc., Vincent DiMento

In Good Health, Inc., Douglas Noble

Mass Organic Therapy, Inc., Patrik Jonsson

Medical Marijuana of Massachusetts, Lianne Anker

Medical Marijuana of Massachusetts, Lianne Anker

Striar Center for Compassionate Care, Inc., Jonathan Rutley

The Greeneway Wellness Foundation, Inc., John Greene

The Greeneway Wellness Foundation, Inc., John Greene

The Timothy Walsh Foundation, Inc., Timothy Shaw

Here is the state's full list of applicants approved for the second round.

Below are those who were denied in Plymouth County:

Fogo's, Inc., Costa Hasiotis

HolistiCare Health Center, Inc., Robert Ciardi

Medical Remedies of New England, Inc., Joseph Mandile

Meyezone, Inc., Costa Hasiotis

To move forward, the successful first-round applicants will need to put down a $30,000 non-refundable fee for each application. (See Massachusetts Fees for Use and Sale of Medical Marijuana.)

The voter-approved Compassionate Use law allows the state to register up to 35 non-profit marijuana dispensaries across the state in the first year, with at least one but no more than five per county. 

State officials plan an informational meeting with applicants Oct. 10 in Somerville.

Does Plymouth County need more than one medical marijuana dispensary? Who should win the right to dispense medical pot here? Tell us in the comments.