Most businesses are subject to various licensing, permit, and registration requirements. These are put in place for public safety, tax, or other reasons.
ComplianceLegalJanuary 25, 2023|UpdatedJanuary 26, 2024
What are the business license requirements for a cannabis business
Because the cannabis industry is heavily regulated, licensing for cannabis businesses is particularly complicated. Compliance requirements not only vary from state to state, they also change depending on the business category (medical vs. recreational, cultivation vs. retail/dispensary) and which city or county you operate in.
In order to operate legally, it is essential that you meet all necessary cannabis business license, registration, and other requirements. Here are some licensing basics you should know about before starting a cannabis business.
Basic legal requirements
No matter what type of business you’re interested in, there are basic legal requirements you need to follow. Although these may vary depending on your location and industry, here are some common requirements.
- Business formation: Incorporating your business or forming an LLC with the state is important because it protects your personal assets from any potential debts and liabilities that arise from your business.
- Tax ID number: This is your federal tax identification number, also called an employer identification number (EIN). The IRS uses this number to identify your business for anything related to taxes.
- General business license: A general business license, renewed annually, allows you to legally operate in your city or county. (Note: This license does not give you the authorization to operate a cannabis business.)
- DBA filing: Your DBA (Doing Business As) allows you to conduct business using a name that’s different than the name included in your incorporation papers.
- Sales tax permit: This is for retailers of physical or digital products or services, both online and offline. If you have to collect state and local sales taxes, you need this permit.
- Other permits: Different businesses need varying permits. Businesses may also need permits for signage, zoning and land use.
Business license requirements for cannabis
As with general licensing requirements, business license requirements for cannabis vary greatly from state to state and between municipalities. For example, while some states hold an open application period and give out many licenses other states are more restrictive and can limit the number of licenses issued.
To be granted a state license in California, applicants must be residents of California, pass a background check, provide proof of a legal right to use the proposed location, apply for and obtain a valid seller’s permit, provide proof of bond, and describe the applicant’s operating procedures in detail.
The kind of licenses needed depends on the type of business you operate. For example, cannabis dispensaries with a storefront need a retailer business license, whereas delivery-only outfits typically need a license for delivery, transport, or courier, depending on the state.
Which department is responsible for licensing?
In some states, you may need to file your organizational paperwork with the Secretary of State’s office, but in many cases, you will need to work with local licensing agencies.
In California, potential business owners can apply to one of three agencies:
- Bureau of Cannabis Control: This is one of the main agencies for regulating commercial cannabis licenses for medical and adult-use cannabis in California. They’re licensing is specific to certain businesses, including retailers, distributors, testing labs, micro-businesses, and temporary cannabis events.
- Department of Cannabis Control: Cannabis Control is responsible for licensing businesses that are cultivating medicinal and adult-use (recreational) cannabis. They also manage the track-and-trace system used by the state to record the movement of cannabis products through the distribution chain.
- Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch: This division of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) regulates those in the cannabis manufacturing business. This includes anyone making and selling cannabis-infused edibles for both medical and non-medical use.
Easily manage complex requirements
There are over 75,000 federal, state, and local jurisdictions. As their compliance requirements become more complex, we’re the partner that can help you manage them all.
How cannabis licensing differs based on business category
As a cannabis business, you’ll be regulated based on a variety of factors. One of them is the category of business—whether you’re cultivating, selling, manufacturing or investing. Here are a few examples of how licensing differs based on business category.
- Cultivation: Growing cannabis is heavily regulated. An operation like this will require significant initial investment and a vigorous site plan review, and practical and proven horticultural knowledge.
- Retail: As a retailer, some states may require that you’re able to provide adequate product and building security in place. They may also limit the amount of product that can be sold to one individual and restrictions on your pricing.
- Edibles: When manufacturing edibles, some states require that you cook and maintain your product in a commercial kitchen. You may need to produce the cannabis butters and oils that are used in your product on-site as well.
- Investors: If you’re thinking about investing in cannabis stocks, be sure you understand where the industry is at the moment. The dynamics of the marijuana industry are rapidly changing. Those who want to invest in cannabis businesses may need to follow specific regulatory and statutory provisions as well.
Licensing for employees
There are also licensing requirements for employees working for a cannabis business. Some states require that any employee be licensed to work for a cannabis-related business, in addition to meeting standard state requirements concerning employees for any type of business.
Nevada requires all employees or volunteers of a cannabis business to apply for and receive a Cannabis Agent Card. According to the Cannabis Compliance Board website, this agent card requires a background check and is issued by the state.
Colorado has two types of licenses that stem from the MED Occupational License. This allows holders to work for MED licensed Medical and Retail Marijuana facilities or for vendors that provide services to MED Medical and Retail Marijuana business licensees. The two categories of this license, as explained by the State of Colorado website, include:
- Key Employee: This is necessary for any employee who’s making operational or management decisions that directly impact the business. This might be the master grower, the person who’s determining what or how much of a particular strain to produce.
- Support Employee: This is required for any employee that works within the business but isn’t involved in making operational decisions. For example, a “budtender.” A majority of occupational license holders are in this category.
To learn more, read the related article, How to get a commercial grow or retail marijuana license in Colorado.
Pay close attention to local regulations
While running a cannabis business may be legal at the state level, you may encounter roadblocks at the local level.
For example, California’s Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) gives local jurisdictions the right to control what activities are permitted in their jurisdiction. Some cities require a local license for approval, while others may prohibit your business activities altogether.
Know your state’s cannabis licensing regulations
It can be challenging to start a business in this highly regulated and ever-changing industry. It requires a lot of planning, knowledge and preparation to understand and follow all the legal requirements expected of you. Do your due diligence before taking your first step toward owning a cannabis business. Get acquainted with the rules, regulations, and requirements at the state, city, and even possibly, the county level.
After your business is established, you can expect ongoing legal obligations, such as licensing renewals and changes to existing rules and regulations.
For more information on CT Corporation services and how we can streamline your business licensing needs, please contact a CT Corporation business license specialist.
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