Keeping up with Upcoming Cannabis License Application Opportunities
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Updated October 8, 2021 | We understand the challenge of keeping up with all of the Upcoming Cannabis License Application opportunities. In 2021 alone, we had 4 US states legalize adult-use cannabis and an additional 6 US states legalize medical marijuana. Let’s not forget about the hundreds of municipalities that require an additional cannabis license application.
For these reasons, we created this article as a resource to help you stay on top of Upcoming Cannabis License Application rounds. We’ll update this article regularly with the latest cannabis license news so that you are aware of the next cannabis license application windows.
The article is structured so that the nearer Upcoming Cannabis License Application opportunities appear at the top of the article. Each section links to further resources and expert advice from our cannabis license consultants on how to win a license.
In some instances, the governing body has not released dates for when they will begin accepting the Next Cannabis License Application. So we give our best estimate based on years of cannabis license consulting.
For your convenience, we created the infographic below that summarizes the information found throughout the rest of the article. If you’d like more details for any of the upcoming cannabis license application rounds, please scroll below to the section containing details.
This is a living page. Please send in your comments, especially if you have any updates. Let us know if we missed anything.
Upcoming Cannabis License Application Rounds in 2021
New Mexico | Currently Accepting
New Mexico recently released the final rules for applying for the first round of cannabis production licenses in their new adult-use market. Our Cannabis Consultants in New Mexico are prepared to help you win a Producer License and Producer Microbusiness Licenses now.
Also, no later than January 1, 2022, New Mexico will begin accepting and processing cannabis license applications for all license types.
Moreover, retail sales are scheduled to begin by April 1, 2022.
Connecticut | October – December 2021
In June 2021, Connecticut passed a bill to legalize Adult-use cannabis. As a result, cannabis sales are scheduled to begin in May 2022.
The first businesses to receive adult-use licenses in Connecticut will be the currently operating medical cannabis license holders.
Therefore, beginning July 1, 2021, the department may accept applications from any medical dispensary facility and any medical marijuana producer to engage in the adult-use cannabis market.
On the other hand, for new applicants, Connecticut plans to begin accepting licenses within 30 days after the Social Equity Council creates the final rules. The Social Equity Council in Connecticut is required to make recommendations not later than September 1, 2021.
With that being said, Connecticut may begin accepting licenses by October 2021. Given our experience submitting many adult-use cannabis licensee applications, Connecticut will likely need 3 – 9 months to award applicants their licenses to begin operation.
Prior to the department accepting applications for each adult-use cannabis license in Connecticut, the department will determine the maximum number of applications for each license type.
Therefore, our cannabis consultants in Connecticut expect the Upcoming Cannabis License Application window to open in late 2021 or early 2022.
Ohio | November 4th – 18th 2021
Ohio will begin accepting and processing medical dispensary licenses from November 4th – November 18th, 2021.
The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program recently published the Request For Applications round II (RFA II) on September 20th, 2021. RFA II will increase the number of medical dispensaries in Ohio by 73 (bringing the current total to 150 since there are currently 57 operating medical dispensaries in Ohio).
Our Ohio cannabis consulting team summarize the timeline for you in the infographic below:
Are you planning on applying for an Ohio cannabis license? If so, speak with one of our Ohio Cannabis Consultants to learn how we can help you win a license and start a medical dispensary in Ohio. Now is the time to start preparing to win a license.
Montana | November 2021
Montana’s Cannabis Control Division plans to issue its first round of adult-use cannabis licenses in November 2021. However, only current medical cannabis businesses in Montana who received their medical license before November 5, 2020, will be allowed to apply for an adult-use license for the first 18 months.
After the first 18 months, then anyone can apply for an adult-use cannabis license in Montana. The Cannabis Control Division expects the cannabis application window for the general public to apply for adult-use licenses to open in 2023 (see below for more information).
New Jersey | November – December 2021
New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission published the rules for applying for adult-use cannabis business licenses on August 19, 2021. Thus, as stated in the Act, New Jersey has 30 days to begin accepting licenses. However, the Commission has faced delays in their announcement of the final rules and instructions for cannabis license applications. We expect New Jersey to begin accepting license applications by the end of 2021.
Contact our New Jersey Cannabis Consulting firm to learn how we can help you win a cannabis license and start a cannabis business. Let’s discuss the upcoming cannabis license application in New Jersey and determine the best strategy for you.
Illinois |November – December 2021
Big cannabis license news in Illinois! Our Illinois Cannabis Business Consultants bring you the latest licensing news below.
Craft Grower, Infuser, and Transporter Licenses in Illinois
On July 15, 2021, the Illinois Department of Agriculture sent Notice of Awards to top-scoring craft grower (40), infuser (32), and transporter (141) applicants notifying them that they are eligible to receive a license.
Once these top-scoring applicants pay the required, applicable license fee, and submit a certification form, they will receive their license.
Additionally, the Department will also be issuing up to 60 additional craft grower and up to 60 additional infuser licenses before December 21, 2021. The department is not accepting applications for these licenses at the moment.
However, we predict the department will begin accepting licenses for the craft grow and infuser cannabis licenses as early as August 2021.
Dispensary Licenses
Illinois won’t issue another round of adult-use dispensary licenses until 2022. For information on the next Illinois Dispensary license applications, please see the section below in 2022.
To learn more about how you win a license in Illinois’s Upcoming Cannabis License Application round, please reach out and speak with one of our Illinois Cannabis Consultants.
New York | Late 2021 – Early 2022
Adult-use cannabis sales in New York are scheduled to begin in 2022. To meet the demand, therefore, the State is likely to have an upcoming cannabis license application window by the end of 2021. In other words, New York is likely to begin accepting applications for adult-use cannabis business licenses toward the end of 2021. The Office of Cannabis Management will oversee the program and award licenses.
Thus, now is the time to begin preparing to win a cannabis license in New York. Are you familiar with the various types of licenses? Our New York Cannabis consultants are prepared to help you navigate the complexities of the next New York Cannabis License Application process.
Florida | Late 2021 – Early 2022
The next Florida medical cannabis license application window is unclear at this moment. However, our Florida Cannabis License Consultants estimate that Florida will begin accepting applications for medical marijuana treatment centers sometime in late 2021 or early 2022.
The Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) oversees the medical cannabis license applications in Florida. As shown on their website, the OMMU is currently developing rules to establish an application process to award up to 15 Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MMTC) licenses.
However, the OMMU is not accepting applications at this time. Our Florida Cannabis Consultants will update this post when Florida publishes the rules and date the OMMU will begin accepting applications.
Arizona | Late 2021 – Early 2022
Arizona awarded its first adult-use cannabis establishment licenses early in 2021. However, the Arizona Department of Health Services plans to award 26 licenses to Arizona Social Equity Ownership Program Applicants. Our Arizona Cannabis Consultants expect the next cannabis application window will open in late 2021 or early 2022.
As always, we recommend starting early. Now is the time to begin putting together a team, formulating a plan, and securing capital. Speak to our Arizona Cannabis Application writers to learn how we can make the process easier for you.
Upcoming Cannabis License Application rounds in 2022
Illinois | Early – Mid 2022
In addition to the adult-use dispensary licenses listed above, by January 1, 2022, Illinois may publish an application to issue additional adult-use dispensing organization licenses. The department shall issue at least 50 additional adult-use dispensing licenses on or before December 21, 2022.
Thus, the next cannabis license application round in Illinois for adult-use dispensary licenses is likely early to mid-2022.
Alabama | September 2022
Recently, Alabama legalized medical cannabis. As a result, you can apply for licenses beginning September 1, 2022. More specifically, the upcoming cannabis license application opportunity in Alabama allows you to apply for licenses such as:
- Cultivator;
- Processor;
- Secure transporter;
- State testing laboratory; or
- Dispensary.
Additionally, you’ll also have the option to apply for a vertically integrated facility license.
For these reasons, we encourage you to speak with our Alabama Cannabis Consulting firm. We are excited to help you become a cannabis business owner in Alabama.
Upcoming Cannabis License Application rounds in 2023
Virginia | Early 2023 – Mid 2023
While Virginia legalized adult-use cannabis in 2021, the State has scheduled adult-use cannabis sales to begin on January 1st, 2024.
Are you interested in starting a cannabis business in Virginia? While 2024 might seem far away, the State’s first upcoming cannabis license application round will occur in 2023. More Specifically, our Virginia Cannabis Consultants predict the next cannabis license application window will open in early 2023.
As always, we recommend starting to prepare for the next cannabis licensing round in Virginia as soon as possible. Speak with our Cannabis Application Writers in Virginia to learn how we can manage your license application from start to finish.
Montana | 2023
As mentioned above, Montana will begin accepting applications for adult-use cannabis licenses from the general public in 2023. The Cannabis Control Division will oversee the application grading and awarding of cannabis licenses.
Concluding remarks on Upcoming Cannabis License Application Opportunities
I hope you found this article useful. Our cannabis license experts crafted this article to help you keep up with the next cannabis license application rounds. Please, if we forgot to mention a marijuana licensing round, we encourage you to leave us a comment. Our cannabis consultants want to provide you with the best and more accurate information available. Lastly, please return to this page periodically to learn about the next cannabis license application opportunity.
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