All cannabis-related businesses, from dispensaries to cannabis cultivators, need a license to operate. With the change in legality only a recent memory, states are maintaining tight control on who can and can’t obtain a license. That’s particularly true for cannabis retail licenses. The question remains – people want to know how to apply for a cannabis retail license.
But, with the cannabis rules a patchwork across the US – with some states recognizing only medical cannabis sales – the license application process differs from state to state.
Before you begin planning your cannabis retail business, you’ll need to know how to apply for a cannabis retail license. Below we’ll take you through the general aspects of the application process, mentioning a few key pitfalls you’ll want to avoid.
Let’s get started. Today, we look at how to apply for a cannabis retail license.
A cannabis retail license is a license awarded by the state for businesses to be able to sell cannabis and other related products on commercial retail premises. Businesses such as dispensaries or other stores stocking cannabis-related products must hold the appropriate cannabis retail license in order to conduct business.
Licensing ensures that your business and all regulated transactions comply with the state’s laws and regulations. In a sense, it’s a stamp of approval.
Without a cannabis retail license, you’ll struggle to access financial services, acquire investment, or find a supplier – indeed, some of these activities would be illegal.
Researching your state’s licensing procedures is always the first step. You’ll need to find out what you need to do to apply, how much documentation you need to provide, and the cost of applying.
Perhaps the best option is to speak to a legal professional in your state familiar with the requirements. They’ll inform you want to do and support your application process. FindLaw is also a helpful resource to identify the specific permits and licenses marijuana businesses need state-by-state
Licenses can differ substantially in price. Where Louisiana asks for only $150 to apply, New Jersey charges $20,000. These fees are non-refundable – so ensure your application is likely to be successful before applying.
As part of the application process, your state will conduct background checks to ensure you meet their requirements, e.g., age, residency, and criminal convictions.
In some cases, prior cannabis convictions can help your cause – as states wish to benefit those most hurt by cannabis prohibition. However, other criminal convictions or bankruptcy are likely to prevent you from acquiring a license – especially if the conviction or bankruptcy is recent.
Review the license criteria to ensure you meet all requirements; otherwise, you risk wasting a substantial sum of money. It’s not just your own background that matters. Employee histories can also jeopardize your licensing application.
After you’re sure applying is the correct option, you’ll need to complete the required paperwork. Depending on your state, different forms will need to be completed, with some jurisdictions substantially more stringent than others.
Nevertheless, this is among the most time-consuming steps. Ask your legal help to assist with the process to guarantee the documents are completed correctly.
Alongside the paperwork, you’ll also need to provide the relevant documentation. This can include financial statements, criminal history, your business plan, and more. Your supporting documents should build an airtight case for why granting you a license is the correct move.
Once all the documents and paperwork are ready, submit them to the appropriate authority for review. It’s at this stage you’ll need to pay the application fee.
Most states will conduct an interview with the applicant when reviewing the application. Such in-person meetings aren’t solely reserved for the applicant; all relevant personnel will be asked to attend. Indeed, there may be additional compliance requirements, like fingerprinting.
Questions will likely revolve around your business, criminal, and financial history. Authorities will seek explanations for any discrepancies within your application and discuss your business plan.
Consider factors like funding and suppliers: as loans from major banks are not viable, you’ll need to prove the solvency of your retail business.
Here’s an overview of documents you should bring along:
That’s everything, right? Unfortunately, not; in some jurisdictions, like California, you’ll also need to gain local approval as part of a state-level application. Depending on the area in question, that can be simple or challenging. Major metro areas like Los Angeles or Boston will likely be easier to convince. But if you’re planning on establishing your cannabis retail business in a small town, convincing locals will very much depend on the town’s mood.
You’ll need to prove you fully comply with all cannabis retail requirements – at the municipal or county level – in particular, zoning rules.
Last, you may have to sort out a few remaining tax or financial affairs before full licensing approval can be given. These are typically nothing substantial – it’s just one last hurdle businesses need to jump through.
Congratulations! You now know how to apply for a cannabis retail license. If your application is successful, you’ll need access to reliable financial services and capital investments.
That’s where Safe Harbor Financial comes in.
We’re an industry-leading cannabis financial institution experienced in supporting fledgling cannabis retail businesses to grow and succeed. We’ll help you set up a checking account, conduct electronic tax payments, pay your employees, and more.
Contact our expert team for more details about joining.
Do you own a hemp, CBD, dispensary, marijuana, or cannabis business and need a business bank account? We’ve validated over $8 billion dollars in cannabis-related funds since 2015. Bank with confidence. Bank with Safe Harbor Financial today.
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