Cannabis Licenses
Obtaining a commercial license is the most critical component of operating a legal cannabis business because it allows you to participate in the legal market and protects you from federal prosecution. Commercial licensing is a 2-part process; applicants must receive approval from their local jurisdiction before they are eligible to apply for a state license. Therefore, in order to be awarded a Commercial License applicants will be required to comply with an exhaustive list of qualifications mandated by state and local authorities. These requirements are complex and without the appropriate land-use designations, operating procedures and business practices in place, compliance can prove burdensome and expensive.
The first step on the road towards obtaining a commercial license for your business will be finding and securing an appropriate location. The location itself must not only meet the requirements of that jurisdictions zoning and land use ordinance but should also be an appropriate fit for the neighborhood. Next you will need to receive local approval for your specific business plans. This means that the local jurisdiction will closely examine your plans for construction, signage, staffing levels, parking and a various other components of your operations that are likely to affect the community. After determining that these components are adequate the local jurisdiction will approve the applicants plans and allow them to proceed with any necessary construction before issuing a final cannabis business permit.
With a local cannabis business permit in hand the applicant can proceed to the state licensing process. While local authorities are tasked with protecting the integrity of their neighborhoods and communities, state authorities are more focused on public health and safety. This means that the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) will closely examine applicants’ operating procedures, production methods and critical control points to ensure that cannabis products are sanitary and unadulterated. Without a deep understanding of what operating procedures are both commercially viable and legally compliant it will be extremely challenging to launch a successful business in the legal cannabis industry.
The attorneys at ALMO Law have obtained commercial cannabis licenses for dozens of Licensees across multiple jurisdictions. We understand how to make your business goals a reality by helping you meet the requirements of state and local law without sacrificing your unique ideas and innovations. Cannabis Licenses are likely to prove extremely worthwhile and receiving the right guidance to assist you in navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of the cannabis industry will prove invaluable to you and your business.