Pubdate: Fri, 23 May 2014
Source: Las Vegas Sun (NV)
Copyright: 2014 Las Vegas Sun, Inc
Contact:  http://www.lasvegassun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/234
Author: Conor Shine
Page: 1

COUNTY MANEUVERS FOR FINAL SAY ON POT DISPENSARIES

The Clark County Commission signaled this week that it would ignore a
recommendation by the state and continue with its medical marijuana
application process unchanged.

Commissioners said during a meeting that they plan to choose operators
for 18 dispensaries from a pool of 81 applicants when they review
applications starting June 4.

That differs from a request from the state Monday afternoon that local
governments forward "a large number of applicants" for state approval.

Under the two-step system imposed by the Legislature in 2013, medical
marijuana applicants must receive a special-use permit from local
governments and a license from the state.

Local and state governments are conducting separate application
processes. This has led to a tug of war over who ultimately decides
which medical marijuana applications are approved.

At stake are a limited number of dispensary licenses.

The state plans to allow 40 dispensaries in Clark County, with a
maximum of 18 in unincorporated areas.

By approving only 18 applicants at the local level, the commission is
attempting to force the state to consider only its preferred candidates.

Commissioners split over whether to send more applicants to the state.
Some favored sending 20 or more so the state would have options if it
disapproves of one of the county's selections.

A majority of commissioners, including Chairman Steve Sisolak,
supported sending only 18.

"I think that the public is better served by the commissioners that
are closest to the area" making the recommendations, Sisolak said.

Commissioners will review 193 applications for licenses for medical
marijuana dispensaries, cultivation facilities, production facilities
and testing laboratories at a public hearing starting at noon June 4.
The hearing is expected to last several days.
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MAP posted-by: Matt