So far, 39 nurseries have been approved to grow low-THC marijuana under the Charlotte's Web bill recently passed by the Florida Legislature.
It hasn't been easy to get on the list, which requires -- among other things -- that a nursery has operated continuously for at least 30 years.
One of the most interesting companies in the industry, Agritek Holdings Inc. -- formerly Mediswipe Inc -- has leased 20 acres bordering Lake Okeechobee and the Loxahatchee River in Western Palm Beach County. It is not clear whether it qualifies as a grower.
The Los Angeles firm has been certified to provide banking services to dispensaries -- mostly in Colorado. It is one of the first public companies to join the fray. According to its website, Agritek "provides innovative patient and agricultural solutions and seeks to be the leader in Compassionate Care Technology for the medicinal marijuana industry. MediSwipe provides real estate management and health and wellness product lines including beverages, vaporizers and accessories."
Jayme Canton is on Agritek's board of directors. He worked with futurist Alvin Toffler and with Steve Jobs during Apple's introduction of the Macintosh.
Miami-Dade commissioners recently approved a study of how agricultural land could be used for pot and how it will affect the local economy. Broward and Palm Beach have yet to do so.
Florida voters will decide whether to allow medical marijuana in November. Companies that gain a foothold in the industry early will likely have an advantage.
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