The cannabis industry is full of surprises, delays, setbacks, and gains. There’s been so much back-and-forth this spring, so we’ve pulled together a short list of some of the states you should be watching. Read on to find out which states are on the verge of legalization, which states are accepting applications, and which states are getting geared up to open rounds.
New York
The much-anticipated adult-use market is finally gaining some traction! New York has approved 58 more cultivation licenses just in the last week. The Justice Involved social equity program is the hottest buzz in New York. This program designates the first 200 adult-use licenses to go to applicants who qualify for social equity criteria. Take the quiz on our website to see if you qualify!
Connecticut
Many of the license windows have closed, but a few key (and very necessary) categories remain. The lottery for product packaging license closes June 15, 2022, and the transporter license window closes June 22, 2022. Now is the time to apply for a license in this small, but lucrative state!
Rhode Island
Adult-use cannabis was recently legalized, and their market is getting set-up quickly. December 1st, 2022 is set to be the first day of retail sales. There are 33 licenses available, and 24 of these are designated for “new standalone retailers”. 25% of the standalone retailers are for social equity applicants, and another 25% are for worker-owned cooperatives.
North Carolina
This state is so close to legalizing medical cannabis! A bill with bipartisan support heads to the Senate in the coming days. If the bill passes, it will go to the House of Representatives, and then to the Governor’s desk for signing. The process is moving more quickly than usual due to the overwhelming amount of support from legislators and the destigmatization of medical and recreational cannabis on a national cultural level.
Florida
Florida has been waiting 6 years to get their medical program established, and now some news about licenses is finally starting to roll in. Miami just approved its first medical dispensary, and 12 applicants just applied for Florida’s Black farmer medical marijuana license. Once this license is awarded, the rest of the license categories will open. The expected timeline for these licenses to open is this coming fall, so that means that now is the time to begin assembling your business plan, team, and property.
Mississippi
Multiple license categories are now open! Mississippi is going full steam ahead launching their medical program. The application license window for cultivators, processing facilities, and testing facilities is currently open, with a deadline for issuing licenses by August. If you’re thinking about opening a dispensary in Mississippi, now is the time to begin preparing your business plan, property, and team to gear up to apply on July 1st when the application portal opens.
If you’re thinking about opening any type of cannabis business in these states (or any other state!), contact Canna Business Services so we can get your application started, reviewed, or answer your questions!
