Commission approves Maryland's first medical marijuana dispensary

FREDERICK, Md. - Maryland's first medical marijuana dispensary will open its doors in Frederick County. The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission approved the license for the Wellness Institute of Maryland on Wednesday.

The first crop of medical marijuana is not expected to be ready until after Labor Day. The owner, Michael Kline, said that the company will take "pre-orders" on Thursday.

The regulators awarded 15 preliminary growing licenses and 15 preliminary processing licenses last year.

The commission said they could revoke the opportunity to work in Maryland if those firms are not granted final licenses by Aug. 15.

Executive Director of the commission, Patrick Jameson, said that the commission plans to approve more licenses after each applicant undergoes a final state inspection.