Company Seeking MMJ License Wins Over Town by Offering Equity Stake in Cultivation Site

By Omar Sacirbey

When Harvest Inc. announced that it offered the tiny town of Hancock, Maryland, a 5% stake in a cultivation facility it hopes to open there, a few eyebrows went up.

Some observers called it innovative, saying the deal could serve as a blueprint for other companies trying to win medical cannabis licenses elsewhere. But critics equated it to a bribe.

In any event, town officials accepted the deal in early October after having lawyers sign off on the legality of the…