State to Name Two Medical Marijuana Producers

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Two crucial pieces of the state's new medical marijuana program are nearly in place.

Minnesota officials were expected on Monday morning to name the two organizations that will grow and cultivate the drug for the state, ending a weeks-long selection process.

The question of who would grow marijuana for the state - and how many companies would apply - was a large concern for the legislators who crafted the new law last session. Lawmakers included an option to delay the registration deadline by six months in case the state had difficulty attracting applicants.

That wasn't necessary. Twelve organizations applied, each paying a $20,000 nonrefundable fee.

Monday's announcement will kick off a race for the manufacturer's to set up their operations in time to start providing patients medicine in July 2015.