Ten applicants have received licenses to operate cannabis businesses in Grand Junction.

The City of Grand Junction picked the 10 in a random selection that concluded an application process and came nearly two years after voters approved two measures to establish regulations and tax rates for retail cannabis sales.

The 10 applicants selected to receive licenses were: Canna Care, Colorado Weedery, Elevate, the Garage, Golden Rookie, Grand Junction Greenery, Green Horizon, Kai Dispensary. Lucky Me Dispensary and Native Roots Grand Junction.

The business names of 32 applicants were printed on cards which were folded, sealed with a sticker and placed into an acrylic drum. The cards were drawn at random and each assigned a number from one to 32.

Thirty-two numbered balls were placed in a wire cage. As the cage was spun, the balls dropped into a chute. As each numbered ball dropped into the chute, the number was read aloud and the corresponding number placed on a city map. The marks on the map corresponded with location addresses, not the names of the applicants. Once 10 licenses were selected, a list of all the applicants was projected, highlighting those that could proceed to the steps necessary to secure a regulated cannabis business license.

Applicants selected for a cannabis license in the randomized process will be issued a city license after completing an application with the state. At the time of issuance of a license, the applicant is required to have paid all fees and must begin operations within 12 months of selection.

If a regulated cannabis business does not begin operations within 12 months of selection, the license shall be forfeited and the business may not start operation unless the hearing officer has granted an extension.

Taxes collected on retail marijuana sales will be earmarked to implement and enforce marijuana regulations as well as fund the highest priorities in a parks, recreation and open space master plan.

A portion of taxes also will fund a community recreation center as part of a measure city voters approved in the latest municipal election.