Woody Harrelson’s Bid to Open Hawaii Medical Pot Dispensary Denied

Actor Woody Harrelson has been denied a license to sell medical marijuana in Hawaii.

The Associated Press reported Saturday, April 30 that Harrelson was among nearly 60 Hawaii residents who applied earlier this year to open one of the state’s first medical marijuana dispensaries. Of the eight companies granted licenses, Harrelson’s was not among them.

The Hawaii Department of Health said in a press release:

After receiving more than 60 applications in January, the department conducted a rigorous review and selection process. A four-member selection panel reviewed and scored applications based on thirteen merit criteria, some of which include the ability to operate a business, a plan and timeline for operations, proof of financial stability, ability to comply with security requirements, and capacity to meet patient needs.

The applicants’ scores will be made public within two weeks.

Harrelson, who is a marijuana advocate, applied for a license in February in Honolulu County under his Simple Organic Living company.

According to the AP, applicants were required to have $1 million cash and $100,000 for each dispensary location. Each company selected is permitted to operate two locations.

The eight companies selected are required to pay a $75,000 licensing fee to the Department of Health within seven days.

Those dispensaries can open beginning July 15, after they are inspected by the Health Department.

A representative for Harrelson declined to comment on the application denial.

Hawaii became the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 2000.

Legislation signed into law in July 2015 recognized that while medical marijuana for “seriously ill” individuals in the state was already legal, people seeking to legally use the drug were “unable to grow their own supply of medical marijuana.”

Act 241 found that as a result, a regulated statewide dispensary system for medical marijuana was “urgently needed by qualifying patients in the state.”