Stevie Wonder, a strain of medical marijuana at Pure Medical Center is displayed with all of its testing information from Full Spectrum Laboratories to help patients and dispensers know the strength and traits of the plant. (Denver Post file)

Auditor: Denver management of medical marijuana licensing improving

Denver’s auditor says the city has made significant strides in its management of medical marijuana licensing, which in July was the subject of a scathing audit from his office.

“I am pleased to report that the Department of Excise and Licenses has taken our recommendations seriously and diligently worked to implement them,” Denver Auditor Dennis Gallagher said in a prepared statement.

The original audit found the city’s oversight of medical marijuana dispensaries had been “ineffective” and “inefficient,” creating “significant risks to the city.”

Results of a follow-up review released on Thursday found that the city had put in place 10 of the 15 recommendations from the original audit and another recommendation no longer is applicable.

The city has hired an outside consultant to review and reconcile all paper files for medical marijuana licenses, the auditor reported. That review is expected to be completed in 90 days.

The changes that have been put in place range from putting in proper safeguards to ensure paper and digital licensing files are secure to authorizing authorities to collect license renewal fees at the time of renewal, Gallagher said.

The city also has improved the inspection process for medical marijuana facilities, he added.

Gallagher said the main issue that remains revolves around moving electronic files and records for medical marijuana licensing to the city’s new Accela system, which is to become the data information system for city departments.

The Excise and Licenses Department is projected to have Accela operating properly by this summer, said Denis Berckefeldt, a spokesman for Gallagher.

Christopher N. Osher: 303-954-1747, cosher@denverpost.com or twitter.com/chrisosher

This story was first published on DenverPost.com