The health department will name the approved contenders this week, according to a published report. They will be able to apply for one of 15 licenses. The district plans to announce the winners early next year.
Williams says he hopes to change perceptions about medical marijuana in Congress. But opening his clinic would come with a risk.
Applicants must recite a statement saying they understand a city license doesn't authorize them to break federal law, which still makes medical marijuana illegal.