The Cannabis Control Commission has published an easy-to-understand general overview of the licensing process, divided into the following 5 key steps:
1. Due Diligence: Research the laws and regulations governing adult-use or medical-use marijuana for more information about the regulatory requirements for licensure in the city or town you wish to operate.
Begin researching and writing the operational plans for your business—all plans must be compliant with adult-use or medical-use regulations. Some plans include but are not limited to, a business plan, a diversity plan, a security plan, a plan for positive impact, and a plan to remain compliant with local codes and ordinances.
Gather information related to the persons and entities who will be listed on the license and who will have control over the business. When you are ready to submit your application, you must include identifying information about each person and entity to be listed.
2. Community Outreach: As part of the application process, you must submit evidence that a Community Outreach Meeting occurred and that a Host Community Agreement has been signed with the municipality. A Community Outreach Meeting is required to inform the public in the host community about the proposed ME or MTC, provide information, and answer the public’s questions.
3. Submit Application: The license application requires applicants to share accurate information about the business, individuals, and entities associated with the business and to “demonstrate an understanding of the Commission’s 20 regulations that are specific to the applicant’s license type, location, and scale.”
The application process consists of three sections:
- Application of Intent
- Background Check
- Management and Operations Profile
Visit the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Portal (MassCIP) to begin the process for an adult-use license application or an MTC license application.
4. Pending Approval: The Commission will review the application based on its priority status and when it was submitted. Within 90 days of your license application, the Commission will issue either a provisional license or a rejection. The Commission will perform inspections and request that background checks and fingerprinting be performed by all individuals listed on the license.
5. Final Inspection: A certification form will be sent to the host municipality to confirm your establishment complies with local codes and ordinances. Once these steps have been completed, the Commission may consider your application for a final license. Before opening, an additional inspection will then be conducted. Upon review of the inspection report, your establishment will receive a notification that it is allowed to commence operations and start operating as a legal marijuana business.
Some things to be conscious of when applying to become a licensee:
- The Commission reviews applications for licensure in a certain order set by regulations. An initial review of your application may not occur right away as other applications may have priority or expedited review.
- The Commission will notify applicants and licensees of all the next steps. Please ensure that all requests for information are fully complied with to reduce the time to obtain licensure, if appropriate.