Pubdate: Wed, 09 Dec 2015
Source: Honolulu Star-Advertiser (HI)
Copyright: 2015 Star Advertiser
Contact: 
http://www.staradvertiser.com/info/Star-Advertiser_Letter_to_the_Editor.html
Website: http://www.staradvertiser.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5154

HAWAII HUI TO APPLY FOR POT DISPENSARY

A group composed of Hawaii farmers, a naturopath and a University of 
Hawaii bioengineering researcher is preparing to apply for a medical 
marijuana dispensary license in January.

The group, led by Dr. Ryan Ferchoff, founder of Medical Medicinals 
LLC, and Maui business consultant Steven Bronstein, issued a news 
release Tuesday announcing its intentions to vie for one of eight 
dispensary licenses next year.

Bronstein has represented some of Hawaii's largest medical groups, 
educators and local businesses for more than 15 years, and was the 
founder of Cushman & Wakefield's retail division, previously owned by 
the Rockefellers.

Ferchoff is founder of the Natural Wellness Center in Manoa and has 
worked with medical doctors to sign up patients under the state's 
current patient marijuana program for the past 10 years. Harry Ako is 
a University of Hawaii professor of molecular biosciences who is the 
lead researcher on the growing of industrial hemp in Hawaii.

The group also includes Simon Russell, owner of Hui 'o Malama 'Aina 
in Makawao, Maui, an agricultural consulting company; Shauna McHugh, 
a medical marijuana caregiver and grower in Oregon for 10 years; Alan 
Yashimoto, part of Ako's UH hemp growing team; and Robyn Smith, a 
U.S. veteran injured in Afghanistan.

Applications for the dispensary licenses are due Jan. 29, and each 
licensee will be allowed to operate two dispensaries and two growing 
centers: Licenses will permit six dispensaries on Oahu, four on Maui, 
four on Hawaii island and two on Kauai.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom