Gov. Andy Beshear‘s administration has refused to launch the names of candidates for medical marijuana dispensary licenses in Kentucky’s 9 areas, regardless of asserting the winners final month.
The Cupboard for Well being and Household Companies and the Workplace of Medical Hashish denied a public information request from Kentucky Public Radio, citing the information as “preliminary” and exempt from disclosure, as reported by Louisville Public Media.
See Additionally: Kentucky Gov. Beshear: ‘The Jury Is No Longer Out,’ Kentuckians Need Medical Hashish
They acknowledged that the listing of candidates will stay confidential till after the ultimate lottery for the final two areas on Dec. 16.
Considerations Over Equity And Transparency
The choice follows considerations about out-of-state corporations dominating Kentucky’s marijuana licensing course of.
One of many corporations, Arkansas-based Darkish Horse Hashish, submitted over 100 functions in Kentucky and gained a number of licenses within the October lottery, together with 4 dispensary licenses within the November drawing.
Whereas the state launched the names of 36 dispensary license winners from the primary 9 areas, the total listing of over 2,800 candidates stays hid.
Critics fear that out-of-state corporations are gaining a disproportionate share of licenses, which raises questions on equity and transparency within the course of.
Authorized Problem To Denial
Kentucky Public Radio’s request for the total listing of candidates was denied, and the station has now appealed the choice to the state’s Workplace of the Lawyer Normal.
Michael Abate, an legal professional representing Kentucky Public Radio and the Kentucky Press Affiliation, criticized the administration’s actions, saying the denial “makes completely no sense.”
He requested: “Why are they attempting to delay disclosure till after all of the lotteries are completed? It suggests the cupboard simply doesn’t need any scrutiny on its course of. However clearly, this is a crucial course of and the general public has a proper to know what’s happening.”
Complaints From Native Farmers
Native hemp farmers, shut out of the October lottery for cultivator licenses, are annoyed with the method.
They argue that giant out-of-state corporations are gaining an unfair benefit and pushing in-state candidates apart. Gov. Beshear, nevertheless, has dismissed these considerations. He acknowledged that the businesses tied to Darkish Horse Hashish “named totally different unaffiliated folks as house owners of their functions.”
The governor didn’t touch upon the investor presentation uncovered by Kentucky Public Radio, which steered Darkish Horse Hashish may change into the guardian firm of a “vertical” enterprise construction in Kentucky, controlling cultivation, processing and dispensary operations. This possession mannequin is prohibited below Kentucky’s medical hashish laws.
Last Lottery And Ongoing Scrutiny
The ultimate lottery for dispensary licenses will happen on Dec. 16 for areas 1 and a couple of, which embrace Louisville and Lexington.
About 1,200 candidates are competing for the remaining licenses and the outcomes may shed extra gentle on the function of out-of-state corporations in Kentucky’s hashish trade.
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Picture courtesy Gov. Beshear’s workplace
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