Connecticut has legalized both the cannabis medical and adult-use industries. The Department of Consumer Protection is responsible for overseeing cannabis business licensing in the State of Connecticut. Each of the following license applications will open on the dates listed and remain open for 90 days. Connecticut will then conduct a lottery process. If selected in the lottery, a more detailed application regarding operations is required to become licensed to operate.
- Micro-cultivator: February 10, 2022
- Delivery Service: February 17, 2022
- Hybrid Retailer: February 24, 2022
- Food and Beverage: March 3, 2022
- Product Manufacturer: March 10, 2022
- Product Packager: March 17, 2022
- Transporter: March 24, 2022
In order to apply for a license in Connecticut, here are the top items you want to complete to be successful starting your journey into the cannabis space:
- Decide what type of business (or businesses) you want to pursue cannabis business licenses for.
Review the list of license types available for application to determine what might be the best fit for you and your business aspirations.
- Assemble Your Team
The next step is to gather your team of experts. Having financial backing in the form of investors is crucial so that you are able to procure consultation services, a location, and other resources along the way. Don’t make the mistake of getting knee-deep in your plan and then running out of money to see it through. After you’ve made sure your funding is set, assemble your team of people you can trust. Specifically, you want people who have experience in the industry and who are well-informed so that you can highlight your team’s expertise in your application.
- Secure a Property
Prior to obtaining a license you will need to secure property that is zoned correctly and able to support the needs of a cannabis business. This can, at times, be the most challenging part of the process. Our team has worked with countless municipalities to assist our clients in obtaining compliant properties in correctly zoned areas.
- Draft Your Application
Application requirements vary between Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and narrative forms surrounding the expectations you have for your business. Either way, these need to be compliant with all state, local, and federal regulations. Ensuring that you are compliant is one of the most important steps in the application process. Canna Business Services has years of experience drafting award-winning applications for our clients in competitive states. Set up a meeting with us today to discuss how we can help you with your business.
Read more on our blog about how to take the first steps towards licensure.
Cannabis for medical use was legalized in Connecticut in 2012 by the legislature. Almost ten years later, in June 2021, adult-use cannabis was legalized by Senate Bill 1201. At this time, Connecticut decided that adult-use sales would be able to begin in spring of 2022. The application process in Connecticut will be in two parts. The first part is a lottery in which an application for the business must be completed as well as an application for each backer. All backer applications must be submitted before the business application will be entered into the lottery. Upon being selected in the lottery a second application must be completed and submitted to the state. Connecticut has set aside a number of licenses to go to social equity applicants. A Social Equity Partner is a business entity at least 65 percent owned and controlled by an individual or individuals, or the applicant is an individual, who:
- Had an average household income of less than 300 percent of, or three times, the state median household income over the last 3 tax years AND, either
- Was a resident of a disproportionately impacted area for at least 5 of the past 10 years; OR
- Was a resident of a disproportionately impacted area for at least 9 years before the age of 18.
While many types of businesses can get started and thrive without the assistance of specialized professionals, cannabis operations are rarely so simple. Due to the considerable financial investment and strictly regulated industry, the guidance and services provided by Canna Business Services prove invaluable. We advocate and protect the best interests of entrepreneurs and cannabis business owners, getting you started, keeping you on track and accelerating your long-term goals. For consultation and services specific to Connecticut, reach out to us at (888) 453-0555.
Read more about our Connecticut’s Cultivation and Retail Application Details here.
Marijuana Business Licensing in Connecticut
Originating and growing a successful medical cannabis operation in Connecticut involves strenuous licensing and compliance requirements. The laws, protocols and directives specific to the state present a costly, difficult and ongoing challenge. Gaining any momentum can prove impossible. Position yourself for success by reaching out to Canna Business Services. Our team of informed cannabis consultants include a diversity of specialities and experience, such as federal procurement, state and city procurement, law and non-profit, education and engineering.
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At Canna Business Services we work with you from structuring an application process to expanding and marketing a branded operation, combining customized, sustainable solutions to turn vision into reality. We remain updated with industry changes and compliance and provide an experienced source of dedicated support. Schedule an appointment and draw from our expertise, recommendations and certainty in an emerging market.
License Types & Deadlines
Connecticut is unique in that they offer 9 different types of licenses: cultivation, retail, micro-cultivation, delivery, hybrid retail, food and beverage manufacturing, product manufacturing, packaging, and transportation. Except for cultivation and retail, each license type has a different opening date, and are only open for 90 days. The list below indicates the date that the 90-day window opens for each license type.
- Cultivation in disproportionately impacted areas: Feb. 3rd, 2022 (nonlottery)
- Retail (dispensaries): Feb. 3rd, 2022; 12 licenses available
- Micro-cultivation: Feb. 10th, 2022; 4 licenses available
- Delivery service: Feb. 17th, 2022; 10 licenses available
- Hybrid retail: Feb. 24th, 2022; (can sell to medical marijuana patients and adult-use customers), 4 licenses available
- Food and beverage manufacture: March 3rd, 2022; 10 licenses available
- Product manufacture: March 10th, 2022; 6 licenses available
- Packaging: March 17th, 2022; 6 licenses available
- Transportation: March 24th, 2022; 4 licenses available
License Availability
Each license category has a limited number of licenses available. And, 50% of each category’s available licenses must go to social equity applications. To qualify as a social equity applicant, you must meet income and residency requirements and have at least 65% ownership. According to the Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner, this is just a starting point and not a final cap. A second application round might happen later in the year.
Connecticut is a small state, but still a competitive market due to limited license availability. The application windows are approaching quickly, and only open for a limited amount of time!
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