ST. PAUL (AP) - Marijuana for Minnesota's new medical cannabis program will be grown in Cottage Grove and Otsego by two producers selected by state officials.

Department of Health officials on Monday announced that Minnesota Medical Solutions and LeafLine Labs to grow and cultivate the drug for the state, ending a weeks-long selection process. Both are locally led, with LeafLine having connections to the Bachman floral family.

Twelve organizations had applied, each paying a $20,000 nonrefundable fee.

The manufacturers will start providing medicine in July.

The marijuana will be converted into pill, liquid or vapor form because the state's new law bans smoking the plant. Only patients suffering from a handful of serious conditions will qualify.

Plans call for eventual dispensaries in Eagan, Hibbing, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Moorhead, Rochester, St. Cloud and St. Paul.

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