Upcoming Cannabis License Application Opportunities
Find the next cannabis business license application round
The cannabis industry is rapidly expanding, with new licensing opportunities emerging across multiple states. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or service provider, staying ahead of upcoming cannabis license applications is crucial for securing a first-mover advantage in these highly competitive markets.
This guide outlines all upcoming cannabis licensing rounds in 2025 and beyond, including license types, expected timelines, and application details. Bookmark this page and check back regularly, as we update it with the latest cannabis licensing news.
Stay Ahead of the Industry
Key Cannabis Licensing Opportunities. Strategic Insights. No Guesswork.
1
USVI
USVI begins accepting cannabis cultivation licenses.
2
Rhode Island
Rhode Island will accept applications for 24 adult-use dispensary licenses. Learn more.
3
Missouri
Missouri will accept its third round of microbusiness license applications. Learn more.
4
USVI
USVI will begin accepting license applications for remaining types. Learn more.
5
Maryland
Maryland’s second round of adult-use cannabis licenses will open. Learn more.
6
Nebraska
Nebraska will issue its first medical cannabis licenses. *(No specific link provided)*
7
North Carolina
North Carolina may open applications for medical cannabis licenses. Learn more.
As seen in
U.S. Virgin Islands – Cultivation Licenses Open March 31, 2025
Application Window:
🌿 Cultivation Licenses (Micro & Standard): Opens March 31, 2025
Available Licenses (Per Island):
St. Thomas – 15 Cultivation Licenses
St. John – 5 Cultivation Licenses
St. Croix – 15 Cultivation Licenses
The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) will officially open applications for adult-use cannabis cultivation licenses on March 31, 2025. Both standard and micro-cultivation licenses will be available, with license caps set by island.
Licenses will be issued via a merit-based scoring system, meaning only top-tier applications will be approved. Applicants are evaluated on experience, security plans, financial readiness, and local community engagement.
📢 Key Takeaway: This is a limited opportunity to secure a cultivation license in a newly launching U.S. territory. The application process is competitive—early preparation is critical.
📖 Work with our USVI cannabis cultivation consultants.
Rhode Island – New Retail Dispensary Licenses (2025)
Application Window: Expected Q3 2025
Available Licenses:
- 24 Retail Dispensary Licenses
Rhode Island currently has six operating dispensaries, but the state is set to issue up to 24 additional retail licenses in 2025.
📢 Key Takeaway: This expansion provides one of the few retail licensing opportunities in the New England cannabis market.
📖 Learn more from our Rhode Island cannabis consultants.
Missouri – Round 3 Microbusiness Licenses (Q3 2025)
Application Window: Expected Q3 2025
Available Licenses:
- 16 Microbusiness Dispensary Licenses
- 32 Microbusiness Wholesale Licenses
Missouri launched its adult-use cannabis market in 2023, and two rounds of microbusiness licensing have already been completed. The third round is expected in Q3 2025, continuing the state’s lottery-based licensing system.
📢 Key Takeaway: Missouri’s microbusiness licenses offer a low-barrier entry into a growing market.
📖 Explore licensing opportunities from our Missouri cannabis consultants.
U.S. Virgin Islands – Additional License Types Expected Mid to Late 2025
Application Window:
🏪 Retail Dispensary, Manufacturing, Testing, Lounge, & More: Expected Mid to Late 2025
Estimated Available Licenses (Across All Islands):
- 17 Dispensary Licenses
- Manufacturing Licenses (No Cap)
- Testing Facility Licenses
- Adult-Use Lounge Permits
- Research & Development Licenses
Following the cultivation license rollout, the Office of Cannabis Regulations (OCR) is expected to open licensing for the remaining business types—including dispensaries, manufacturers, testing labs, and on-site consumption lounges—later in 2025.
The application process will remain merit-based, with scoring criteria that heavily favor applicants with local ties, operational readiness, financial strength, and social equity alignment.
📢 Key Takeaway: These licenses will allow you to tap into the full retail and processing supply chain in the Virgin Islands. Due to the limited number of retail licenses and strong market demand, competition will be fierce.
📖 Connect with our USVI cannabis consultants to start preparing early.
Maryland – Second Round of Adult-Use Licenses (2025)
Application Window: Late 2025 (Date TBD)
Available Licenses:
- 25 Cultivation Licenses
- 25 Processing Licenses
- 120 Dispensary Licenses
- 10 Incubator Licenses
- 15 On-Site Consumption Licenses
Maryland issued its first round of adult-use cannabis licenses in 2024 through a lottery system, awarding 205 new licenses across multiple categories. The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) is expected to announce the second round in mid-2025.
📢 Key Takeaway: If you’re looking to enter Maryland’s high-growth cannabis market, now is the time to start preparing.
📖 Learn more from our Maryland cannabis consultants.
Nebraska – First Medical Cannabis Licenses (Q3 2025)
Application Window: Late 2025 or Early 2026
Available Licenses: TBD (Pending Regulations)
In November 2024, Nebraska voters passed a medical cannabis legalization measure, and the state is now establishing its regulatory framework. The first licenses are expected to be issued in Late 2025 or Early 2026.
📢 Key Takeaway: Nebraska’s medical cannabis market is just beginning—this is an opportunity to enter before competition intensifies.
North Carolina – Medical Cannabis Licensing (Mid 2026)
Application Window: Expected Mid-2026
Available Licenses: TBD (Pending Regulations)
📢 Key Takeaway: North Carolina is expected to legalize medical cannabis in 2026, making it one of the last major East Coast markets to launch a cannabis program.
📖 Work with our North Carolina cannabis consultants.
Latest cannabis licensing news
Why Choose Quantum 9?
- Proven Track Record: Since 2012, Quantum 9 has successfully guided businesses globally through complex regulatory landscapes, securing licenses and maximizing operational efficiency.
- Industry Expertise: Our team of seasoned cannabis consultants & psilocybin consultants combine decades of experience, delivering cutting-edge strategies tailored to meet the evolving needs of the highly-regulated industries.
- Customized Solutions: We offer tailored consulting services from market entry strategies to compliance and business optimization, ensuring that your cannabis business is set up for long-term success.
“We engaged the team with 14 days left, and Quantum 9 was able to work within our budget to get everything submitted on time. Only three licenses were awarded in the entire State of Delaware, and we were fortunate enough to obtain one with the guidance of a team of dedicated cannabis consultants.”
– Jennifer Stark, Owner of EZY CURE LLC
“It is with great honor that we recommend Quantum 9, Inc. as cannabis consultants for their excellence in the cannabis industry. Their attentiveness, attention to detail, and pragmatic thinking were instrumental in our understanding of the taxation of medical cannabis.”
– Dr. Harald Terpe, Member of Parliament
“With only 21 days to submit, the marijuana consultants at Quantum 9 produced a winning application by guiding us in all aspects of the submission including strategy, community engagement, standard operating procedure creation, narrative writing, and municipal approval. We won one of four licenses in a competitive market by outcompeting California cannabis giants such as Cookies, MedMen, Stiiizy, and Phenos, amongst others.”
– Rajwinder Kaur Bal, President of Doctor’s Choice Modesto
“Having owned and operated cannabis dispensaries in Washington state, we were impressed by Quantum 9’s knowledge base and procedural documentation ranging from inventory management to security. I express the highest recommendation for Quantum 9 for their unwavering commitment to providing us with marijuana consulting services that helped us win six adult-use Dispensary License in Illinois. With the assistance of Quantum 9, we received a perfect score on our cannabis license applications.”
– Gregory Elliott, President of World of Weed, Inc.
Winning licenses and selling businesses since 2012
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Licenses Won
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U.S. States
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License Win Rate
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Frequently Asked Questions
When will the next cannabis license applications open in the U.S.?
Several states are preparing to open cannabis license applications in 2025 and beyond. For example:
- US Virgin Islands: Cultivation licenses open on March 31, 2025
- Rhode Island: Adult-use dispensary applications open in Q3 2025
- Missouri: Third round of microbusiness licenses expected in Q3/Q4 2025
- Maryland: Adult-use licensing round in Late 2025
- Nebraska: First medical cannabis licenses in Q4 2025/Q1 2026
- North Carolina: Potential medical cannabis licenses in Mid-2026
How can I apply for a cannabis license in my state?
Each state has unique regulations and application processes. We provide state-specific consulting services to guide applicants through licensing requirements, compliance, and competitive strategies. Explore our cannabis license application writing services for expert guidance.
What types of cannabis licenses are available?
The types of licenses vary by state but commonly include:
- Cultivation Licenses – For growing cannabis
- Dispensary Licenses – For retail cannabis sales
- Microbusiness Licenses – Small-scale operations for cultivation, processing, and retail
- Processing/Manufacturing Licenses – For cannabis-infused products and extracts
- Medical Cannabis Licenses – Required for operating in medical-only states
What are the latest cannabis business opportunities in 2025-2026?
With new markets opening in USVI, Missouri, Maryland, Nebraska, and North Carolina, there are growing opportunities for cultivation, retail, and microbusinesses. Stay updated on emerging cannabis markets by bookmarking this page.
Where can I get expert help with my cannabis license application?
Our cannabis consultants specialize in helping entrepreneurs navigate state licensing, business planning, compliance, and operational setup. Whether you need assistance with dispensary licensing or cultivation applications, our team can maximize your success.
📩 Contact us today for a consultation!