ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - Hundreds of adventurous entrepreneurs are learning what it will take to grow marijuana for use in Minnesota's new medical marijuana program.

Potential manufacturers have packed into an auditorium in downtown St. Paul Friday for a rundown of the security protocols and rules to become a producer. More than 200 people registered for the event.

Only two manufacturers will be chosen to grow and cultivate the drug, but a $20,000 application fee is nonrefundable - even for those who aren't chosen. Applications open in September in hopes of registering producers by Dec. 1.

The state's plan calls for patients to get medical marijuana starting July 1, 2015.

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