Medical marijuana choices today for task force

Marijuana plants grow at dispensary in Los Angeles
Marijuana plants grow at dispensary in Los Angeles.
David McNew/Getty Images

Minnesota has about a month left to pick two manufacturers from the dozen that submitted formal applications last month to supply medical marijuana.

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It's the next step in the process that is scheduled to offer pills and oils derived from marijuana to registered residents next summer.

The 16-member task force meeting Thursday is expected to address the distribution process, legal concerns and other issues. Twelve companies have applied to grow and distribute marijuana and have submitted a $20,000 application fee. Two of the 12 will be chosen with an announcement Dec. 1.

Officials are also expected this afternoon to discuss staffing for the Office of Medical Cannabis.

The state legalized medical marijuana earlier this year. It expects about 5,000 people with certain medical conditions to be authorized to eventually purchase the drug from suppliers at eight outlets across the state. Minnesota hasn't legalized recreational use or smokeable marijuana.

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