WHAT IS THE MASSACHUSETTS CANNABIS CONTROL COMMISSION?
The Cannabis Control Commission (the "Commission") implements and administers laws enabling adult-use cannabis, regulates cannabis licensing, and oversees the sale of recreational cannabis.
WHAT TYPES OF LICENSES ARE AVAILABLE FOR CANNABIS BUSINESSES?
(1) Retail
(2) Manufacturer
(3) Cultivator
(4) Craft Marijuana Cultivator Cooperative
(5) Independent Testing Laboratory
(6) Marijuana Courier
(7) Marijuana Delivery Operator
(8) Marijuana Research Facility
(9) Micro-business
(10) Transporter
(11) Standards Laboratory
WHAT IS A MICRO-BUSINESS AND A MICRO-LICENSE?
A micro-business is a cannabis business subject to certain size and operational restrictions. A micro-business may either be a cannabis cultivator, a product manufacturer, or both. A micro-business product manufacturer may purchase up to 2,000 pounds of cannabis. A majority of the members of the micro-business must have lived in Massachusetts for at least 12 months prior to applying for the license.
Application and licensing fees for micro-businesses are about half the combined standard application and licensing fees for cultivation and/or manufacture. Micro-businesses may also offer delivery service upon receiving an endorsement from the Commission.
CAN YOU APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE LICENSE?
Yes, but each license type has limits on the number of licenses an individual or entity can possess, and other restrictions. For example, for many license types (i.e., cultivator, manufacturer, retailer), no person or entity having direct or indirect control may have more than 3 licenses. Click here to find out more about license types and limits.
CAN A DISPENSARY SELL MEDICAL AND ADULT-USE?
Yes, colocated adult-use and medical-use cannabis operations are permitted, subject to certain requirements and disclosures.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A CANNABIS BUSINESS LICENSE
Applicants must submit their license applications, along with the applicable fees, through the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Portal (MassCIP).
WHAT TYPE OF INFORMATION WILL BE DISCLOSED ON THE LICENSING APPLICATION?
(1) Business plan
(2) Diversity plan
(3) Security plan
(4) Positive impact plan
(5) Compliance with local codes and ordinance plan
(6) Identifying information related to persons and entities who will have control
(7) Evidence of Community Outreach Meeting and signed Host Community Agreement
HOW WILL LICENSING APPLICATIONS BE EVALUATED?
The Cannabis Control Commission will review licensing applications based on priority status and, within 90 days of submission, the Commission will either issue a provisional license or a rejection. Applicants will be notified via email. If a provisional license is issued, the Commission will perform further inspections and certifications prior to issuing a final license.
WHEN WILL THE LICENSING APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN?
The licensing application period is currently open. You may begin your licensing application through the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Portal (MassCIP).
HOW MUCH DOES APPLYING FOR A CANNABIS LICENSE COST?
Licensing fees vary across the different license types. Please consult the Commission's Fee Schedule for details.
WHY IS A CANNABIS BUSINESS ATTORNEY IMPORTANT?
The lawyers at Leaf Legal, P.C. provide comprehensive legal counsel to Massachusetts cannabis businesses from the ground up to ensure clients are able to safely navigate Massachusetts' adult-use cannabis program. Among other things, they will guide you through the steps of securing real estate, obtaining local approvals, developing your security plan, impact plan, and quality control plan.
Due to the complexities of Massachusetts' cannabis licensure procedures, it is important to work with an experienced cannabis business attorney to establish state-compliant cannabis businesses. Leaf Legal, P.C. is fully prepared to assist. Contact the attorneys at Leaf Legal, P.C. to request a consultation.