Texas is accepting applications for dispensing organization licenses, and you have up until April 28th, 2023, to apply. With less than 30 days left, we still believe you can put together a winning application. For those brave enough to apply, our Texas cannabis consultants created this step-by-step guide to help you every step of the way to winning a license. We’ve won cannabis licenses in the most competitive markets across the globe (28 US States and six countries), and our success rate is among the highest in the industry (91.3%).
If you’re gearing up to apply for a marijuana business license in Texas, we’ve distilled the most essential steps you should take to put together an application with the highest chance of winning. We recommend you read this article in its entirety, but if you’d prefer to speak with our Texas cannabis consultants on the phone, please schedule a free consultation today.
Cannabis Consultants in Texas
Rules, Laws, & Regulations
To become a licensed cannabis business in the burgeoning Texas medical cannabis program, it’s of the utmost importance to educate yourself on all applicable laws and regulations. This will give you an advantage when it comes time to win a license and ensure that your business remains compliant as you move forward with your operations. Fostering such an understanding of the rules from the onset will provide a solid foundation for success as you strive to navigate through the cannabis industry in Texas.
That said, our Texas cannabis consulting firm recommends you familiarise yourself with the following:
Equally important, you should monitor the following websites for updates about the Texas cannabis program:
- Compassionate Use Program by the Texas Department of Public Safety
- Texas Medical Cannabis Health Services Page
With this in mind, let’s dive into the timeline for cannabis applications in the State of Texas.
Timeline for Marijuana License Applications in Texas
The Texas Department of Public Safety is currently accepting applications for dispensing organization licenses. You must submit your application prior to the deadline of 5 p.m. CT on April 28, 2023.
Types of Cannabis Licenses in Texas
Our Texas cannabis consultants would like to point out that there is only one type of medical cannabis business license in Texas. The license is called a “Dispensing Organization.” It allows you to cultivate, process, test, transport, deliver, and dispense low-THC products to medical cannabis patients in Texas.
Eligibility to Apply for a Marijuana Business License in Texas
Next, you should determine if you’re eligible as an applicant. In brief, an individual who is registered as an employee, manager, or director of your application is required to meet the following:
- proof of 18 years of age or older;
- submission of a complete set of fingerprints;
- pass a fingerprint, criminal history background check
Importantly, you must ensure that no one on your team has any criminal history disqualifiers.
Application Requirements
Below is a list of application requirements for a texas dispensing organization license:
- Exhibit A – Ownership documentation
- Exhibit B – Proof of required liability insurance
- Exhibit C – Proof of the ability to secure the premises, resources, and employees necessary to operate as a dispensing organization
- Exhibit D – Proof of the ability to maintain accountability of all raw materials, finished products, and any by-products to prevent diversion or unlawful access to or possession of these substances
- Exhibit E – Proof of the financial ability to maintain operations for two (2) years from the date of application
Exhibit F – Proof of the technical and technological ability to cultivate, process, and/or dispense low-THC cannabis, evidenced by experience in the areas - Exhibit G – Proof of infrastructure reasonably located to dispense low-THC cannabis to registered patients
- Exhibit H – Project Schedule and Plan
With this, your application will be reviewed and scored by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Therefore, you will need to submit detailed plans to prove to the State that you and your team have what it takes to operate a safe and compliant cannabis business.
Fees
Our texas cannabis business consultants would like to point out that you must pay a non-refundable application fee of $7,356. Similarly, if you are awarded a license, you must pay a license fee of $488,520.
Now that you are aware and familiar with the medical cannabis program in Texas, below are nine actionable steps that Texas cannabis business consultants put together to help you apply for and win a license.
How to Win a Cannabis Business License in Texas
Step 1: Review the laws and regulations specific to marijuana licenses in Texas
First, it’s important that you understand the cannabis laws and regulations in Texas [shown above]. Doing so will give you greater insight into how to proceed with the application process.
Step 2: Contact a marijuana consultant in Texas
At this point, it’s time to contact the Quantum 9 marijuana consultants in Texas. Gathering the information and completing the application for a marijuana business license in Texas is no small feat. Thus, Quantum 9 provides Texas cannabis consulting services to help make navigating the complex process much easier. Doing so can save you a lot of time and money in the long run and ensure that you’re on the right path toward legally opening up a marijuana business in Texas.
Step 3: Register a business entity for your marijuana business license in Texas
Additionally, our cannabis consultants in Texas can help you determine the best business entity for your marijuana license application. There are several types of legal business entities that you can choose for your marijuana business in Texas, ranging from LLCs to corporations and others. However, it’s very important that you consult with a professional before submitting any application or request.
Step 4: Recruit a strong team of cannabis experts in Texas
As you start to fill out your marijuana business application in Texas, it is important to take into account the team that you list on your application. The Texas Department of Public Safety wants to ensure that your medical cannabis business is safe, secured with top-notch security measures, and compliant with local laws. Speak with our Texas cannabis consultants to learn more about our talent acquisition services.
Step 5: Formulate a business plan for your marijuana application in Texas
Equally important, developing a comprehensive business plan is essential when starting or expanding any marijuana-related venture. Having a well-written plan will assist with both convincing industry experts to join your team as well as helping you secure capital. With the help of marijuana consultants in Texas from Quantum 9 plus an effective business plan, you’ll be that much closer to success for your marijuana business. Furthermore, our services can assist you in developing a competitive business plan, application writing, site planning, and more. Reach out for a free consultation.
Step 6: Raise capital for your cannabis business in Texas
Moreover, applying for and operating a new cannabis business in Texas can be daunting, especially when costs are likely to exceed millions of dollars. For those interested in entering the marijuana industry, planning ahead and securing sufficient capital is imperative.
Step 7: Identify a location for your marijuana business
To increase your chances of winning a cannabis license in Texas, the geographical location you decide on is a critical part of this process. Not only do local and state laws need to be taken into account, but it’s equally important to gain local support from stakeholders surrounding the site chosen for your marijuana-related business. This means engaging with individuals and groups actively involved within the community who can serve as allies in the operations of your respective marijuana business. This brings us to step 8.
Step 8: Accumulate local support in Texas
Moreover, the marijuana industry relies heavily on local municipalities for licensing approval, meaning it pays to cultivate relationships with those involved as soon as possible. Starting this groundwork now will make a difference when it comes time to apply. This process can take time and patience to establish strong ties with these individuals. To save you time and money, allow our cannabis consultants in Texas to guide you through this step.
Step 9: Write and submit your marijuana application in Texas
Finally, it’s time to write and submit your cannabis application in Texas. The application is a lengthy and technical writing project that requires a great amount of attention to detail. However, we’re here to save you time and money, and increase your chances of success. Our Texas cannabis consulting firm has extensive experience with application writing and successful applications, so they will help ensure you submit the paperwork correctly and on time.
Conclusion
All in all, our Texas cannabis business consultants have decades of expertise needed to help you produce a successful cannabis business license application that will stand out and put you one step closer toward your cannabis venture. Not to mention, our cannabis application writers have won licenses in more than 6 countries and over 27 states in the United States. With our experience and knowledge, we can provide professional resources, advice, support, and more throughout the entire application process. Reach out today to learn more!
APPENDIX – Additional Information and Resources
Municipalities and Counties
Our Texas cannabis application writers would like to emphasize that a municipality or county may not prohibit your medical cannabis business from operating within its borders.
Disqualifying Criminal Convictions
In Texas, you cannot own or work at a Dispensing Organization if you have a criminal history. More specifically, you cannot be a director, manager, or employee of a Texas Dispensing Organization if you fall under any of the Criminal History Disqualifiers outlined in 37 TAC § 12.3.
Cannabis Jobs in Texas
Below are current cannabis job openings in Texas:
My name is Jon Martin, I have been in the cannabis industry since 2016 starting in CA before they went Rec.
My last venture was in OKC for 2 years before moving back to Houston to be a fulltime caretaker for my grandparents. My knowledge and experience in the industry has led me to believe that TX is the next step or it is already here with loopholes.
I am interested in joining a team to learn more about the consultation industry and what better place to do it then with ya’ll in TX.
Thank you and hope to hear
832-878-3020 -Jon M