Licensing Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I become a licensed cannabis testing laboratory?
The Department is currently working to implement licensing for cannabis testing laboratories and will post information on how to obtain a license as soon as it is available.
Licensing Frequently Asked Questions Cannabis use and Safety Establishing a Business -
Can licensed cannabis establishments sell hemp products?
Public Act 23-166 allows for the sale of hemp manufacturer products at licensed dispensary facilities, hybrid retailers and retailers.
Policies Procedures and The Law Licensing Frequently Asked Questions Establishing a Business Retail Sales Hemp, CBD and Other Products -
What kind of signage do dispensary facilities, hybrid retailers and retailers need to have posted for hemp manufacturer products?
Signage pertaining to hemp manufacturer products as required by Public Act 23-166 must be approved by the Department prior to being posted.
Licensing Frequently Asked Questions Establishing a Business Hemp, CBD and Other Products Retail Sales -
Do food and beverage items need to be shelf-stable?
Yes. All cannabis products must meet the manufacturing requirements identified in Section 21a-421j-26 of the Department’s policies and procedures, including that all cannabis products shall be homogenous and shelf-stable for a minimum of 60 days after opening without refrigeration.
Licensing Frequently Asked Questions Policies Procedures and The Law -
Can hybrid retailers or retailers sell or giveaway promotional items such as apparel?
No. Cannabis, cannabis products, paraphernalia, and manufacturer hemp products are the only items that a hybrid retailer or retailer may sell, offer, give, dispense, compound, transfer, or transport, as applicable.
Policies Procedures and The Law Advertising Licensing Frequently Asked Questions -
What is a bona fide labor organization?
To be included on the Department’s list of bona fide labor organizations, the labor organization must complete an online application form using the eLicense system.
Licensing Frequently Asked Questions Establishing a Business Workplace and Employee Information Definitions -
How many times can I apply for a license through the lottery application process?
Applicants may only submit one application per application period for each license type.
Licensing Frequently Asked Questions Licensing - Lotteries and Application Information -
After our conversion to Hybrid Retailer, are Dispensary Technicians required to complete Medical Marijuana transactions?
No. Transactions may be completed by any licensed adult-use cannabis employee at the hybrid retailer.
Licensing Frequently Asked Questions Policies Procedures and The Law -
If the cannabis establishment is owned by a parent company made up of individuals, trusts or other entities, what does the organizational chart need to show?
The organizational chart should show the applicant’s ownership structure and reflect all ownership interests in the cannabis establishment.
Licensing Frequently Asked Questions Backers and Business Owners Establishing a Business Licensing - Lotteries and Application Information -
Social Equity Council Micro-Cultivator Assistance Program
The Social Equity Council will develop a program to assist Social Equity Applicants in opening two micro-cultivator establishments. The program is still in development and is contingent on current Medical Marijuana Producers converting their licenses to also serve the Adult-Use Cannabis market. For more information, please contact the Social Equity Council.
Social Equity Council Social Equity Definitions Licensing Frequently Asked Questions -
Social Equity Council Income and Residency, Workforce Development Plan, Social Equity Plan, and Ownership Control Requirements
The final approved documents for income and residency requirements, workforce development requirements, ownership control requirements, and social equity plan requirements as approved by the Social Equity Council
Social Equity Council Licensing Frequently Asked Questions -
When will license applications be available for the Adult Use Cannabis program?
The first application period for each license type will open for a period of 90 days on the following dates:
Licensing Frequently Asked Questions -
How does the lottery and review process for license applications work?
The social equity lottery will be conducted first and is for social equity applicants only. The general lottery will be conducted after the conclusion of the social equity lottery.
Licensing Frequently Asked Questions Licensing - Lotteries and Application Information -
Equity Joint Venture
An Equity Joint Venture is a business entity, partnering with a licensed medical marijuana producer or medical marijuana dispensary facility, that is at least 50% owned and controlled by an individual or individuals, or the applicant is an individual, who meet certain requirements..
Definitions Licensing Frequently Asked Questions Social Equity Definitions Equity Joint Ventures -
Do I need to set up a business before applying for a cannabis establishment license?
No. Formal proof of business creation, such as registration with the State, is not required for the lottery application, and will only be required of applicants that are selected in the lottery and progress to the additional stages of licensure.
Licensing Frequently Asked Questions Establishing a Business -
I am the only owner and own 100 percent of my business. Do I need a backer?
If you are the sole owner of your business and no other individual has 5 percent or more ownership or control of your business, you may apply as a sole proprietor and will need to list yourself as a backer on the application.
Licensing Frequently Asked Questions Backers and Business Owners Establishing a Business