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Medical pot applicant plans to sue over lack of diversity

Posted at 6:09 PM, Sep 27, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-27 18:11:53-04

An applicant for a license to grow medical marijuana in Maryland plans to sue a state commission for allegedly failing to consider racial diversity when the panel named the top 15 finalists.

John Pica, who is co-counsel for Alternative Medicine Maryland, said Tuesday the applicant plans to file the lawsuit next week against the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission.

Pica says Alternative Medicine wants to stop the panel from taking further action on awarding licenses, until it follows a provision in state law requiring diversity to be considered.

Dr. Paul Davies, the commission's chairman, has said the panel will work with the attorney general's office to address diversity concerns.

Del. Cheryl Glenn, the head of the Legislative Black Caucus, has criticized the commission for the lack of diversity in finalists.