MANDAN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – An application for a special use permit for a medical marijuana growing operation south of Mandan has been turned down.

The Morton County commission rejected the proposal from Brian and Angie McGinnes, who had lined up 35 investors.

Morton County commissioner Andy Zachmeier says the decision was made partly based on the concerns of neighbors.

Other questions were raised about the time it would take sheriff’s deputies to reach the scene if there were to be a break-in.  One neighbor said she was opposed because marijuana is still considered illegal by the federal government.

The state is taking applications for two, medical marijuana grow operations.  Eight “compassion centers” where marijuana would be sold to people with qualifying conditions are planned, but the application process for those centers has not yet opened.