http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/02/17/medical-marijuana-off-very-c...

After what had been billed as a thorough vetting process — but now looks like anything but — state officials have awarded licenses for 20 dispensaries across the state. If the early reaction is any indication, maybe they should start over.

While the winning bidders were required to show local support for their plans, officials in Boston and Haverhill said last week that their support was exaggerated or manipulated. Meanwhile, charges of conflicts of interest, which have dogged this process since early on, sprang up as well, fueled by the connection of many successful applicants to political heavyweights.