Missouri received at least 1,163 dispensary applications, making it the most competitive field for licenses to enter the fledgling industry, which is expected to top more than $100 million in sales by 2025.

But applicants who didn’t receive licenses for cultivation facilities have already gone to court to overturn the department’s decision.

Dr. Paul Callicoat, a retired cardiologist and principal of Sarcoxie Nursery in southwest Missouri, filed suit late last year after his company was denied a license to open a cannabis growing facility.

He said Thursday that the family-owned firm also was denied a license to operate dispensaries in Joplin, Kansas City and Monett.

“We are disappointed that all four of our dispensary applications were denied. This remains consistent with the flawed scoring process that has been brought into question by us and others. We remain committed to ensuring there is safe and effective access to medical marijuana for eligible patients across our state. We are grateful for the continued outpouring of support as we move forward with our pending litigation,” Callicoat said.