Interested in starting a cannabis business in Vermont? We can help. This guide provides an overview of Vermont’s requirements and license application process so that entrepreneurs like you win a marijuana business license. In fact, get started today and schedule a free consultation with one of our expert marijuana consultants in Vermont.
Vermont Cannabis Consulting Firm & Application Writers
Laws and Regulations
First, you’ll want to read Vermont’s laws, rules, and regulations. You can find a complete list of Vermont’s cannabis laws and rules here.
Additionally, it’s important to note that the State of Vermont Cannabis Control Board will oversee all scoring and issuing of cannabis business licenses in Vermont. Don’t have time to review hundreds of pages of legal documents? Contact one of our expert Vermont cannabis consultants and we’ll help you decipher the important information. Most importantly, we can write it for you.
Important Licensure Dates
After familiarizing yourself with the rules and regulations, we can move on to important application dates.
Vermont is currently accepting applications for all license types except retailers. On the other hand, you can begin applying for a Vermont cannabis retailer license beginning September 1, 2022.
Types of Cannabis Licenses in Vermont
Now that you know the important dates in Vermont, the state issues six different license types. More specifically, these types of licenses include:
- Cultivators;
- Product Manufacturers;
- Retailers (dispensaries);
- Wholesalers;
- Testing Laboratories;
- and Integrated Licenses
For more information regarding tiered submissions and licensed cannabis establishments, click here.
Eligibility for a Vermont Cannabis License
Moving on, in order to apply for a marijuana license in Vermont, there are a handful of qualifications and eligibility requirements necessary to receive a license. To begin, each applicant will need to be 21 years of age or older and is required but not limited to submit the following:
- individual full legal name;
- a full set of fingerprints in a form and manner determined by the Board;
- description of any criminal action, civil action, or administrative action; and
- photocopy of the individual’s driver’s license or other government-issued identification card.
Application Requirements for Marijuana Licenses in Vermont
To apply for a cannabis business license in Vermont, you must show compliance with Vermont laws and local ordinances. To illustrate this process, you must write strong narratives for the following:
- Business plan
- Operating Plan
- Compliance and Management Plans (~approximately 8 separate plans)
- Security plan
- Plans related to Positive Impact Criteria
- Environmental impact and social responsibility;
- Recruitment Plan;
- Employee Training Plan;
- Compensation Plan;
- Cash Management Plan;
- Standard operating procedures;
- Location Information;
- and more.
In addition to the hundreds of pages of technical writing, you’ll also need to form a business entity, identify a location, complete and submit your cannabis business application, obtain approval from the Board, and pay all application fees. In short, the state of Vermont has specific requirements for those who wish to obtain a cannabis license. Our team of professionals can help you navigate the process and ensure that your application is complete.
Social Equity in Vermont
Vermont will include social equity as part of its cannabis licensing process. To qualify as a social equity applicant, you must meet at least one of the following:
- You are Black or Hispanic;
- You are from a community that has historically been disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition and are able to demonstrate to the Board that they were personally harmed by that impact; or
- You have been incarcerated for a cannabis-related offense or have a family member that has been incarcerated for a cannabis related offense.
Also, you must be a current Vermont resident to qualify as a social equity applicant.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Win a Vermont Cannabis Business License
Meanwhile, our cannabis consultants in Vermont created a step-by-step guide on how to apply and win a cannabis license in Vermont.
Step 1: Review the rules & regulations
To start, you must review the rules and regulations necessary to operate a cannabis business in Vermont. This will help you and your team understand the requirements to win a cannabis license.
Step 2: Select a Vermont cannabis business license type
As previously mentioned, Vermont will issue six different types of adult-use cannabis business licenses. That said, you must choose the type of business license you are applying for (dispensary, manufacturer, cultivator, etc) in Vermont.
Step 3: Reach out to a Vermont cannabis consulting firm
At this point, you are now familiar with the cannabis laws and requirements in Vermont. It’s time to consider reaching out to a Vermont cannabis consultant. Cannabis applications can be extremely complex and time-consuming. At Quantum 9, our expert marijuana consultants in Vermont can take care of the entire process for you. Furthermore, we can assist you with facility design, team recruitment services, and even SOP development. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can save you time and money while increasing your chances of winning a cannabis license in Vermont.
Step 4: Form a business entity
Afterward, forming a legal business entity is an important step in the process of applying for a cannabis license in Vermont. At Quantum 9, we offer Vermont cannabis consulting services that can help you determine the entity type most appropriate for your goals. Usually, LLCs and corporations are the most common types of entities we see cannabis applicants forming. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your business.
Step 5: Identify a location for your marijuana business in Vermont
Furthermore, you must identify a location for your cannabis business. Not only do you need to find a property that meets all the state and local requirements, but you also need to make sure that you have the ability to control it. That’s why we offer assistance with every step of the process, from identifying potential locations to negotiating leases and purchase contracts. We are also highly experienced with the zoning processes that can help you navigate the often-complex regulations surrounding cannabis businesses.
Step 6: Build your team
Notably, a major area that the state will score your application on is your team. More specifically, the team that you list on your application will have a significant impact on whether or not you receive a license. As mentioned earlier, Quantum 9 offers talent acquisition services that can help you build an expert cannabis team for your marijuana business in Vermont. Our Vermont cannabis consulting services are top-notch and work diligently so that you have the best chance possible of securing a license in this highly competitive market.
Step 7: Write a business plan
Finally, after you have secured a location for your cannabis business and assembled your team, the next step is to develop a comprehensive business plan. Your business plan will serve as a road map for the continued success of your cannabis business.
Step 8: Raise capital for your Vermont cannabis business
Furthermore, the start-up costs for a Vermont cannabis business can be significant, but with careful planning and the right team in place, it can be a very successful venture. With the help of Quantum 9 Vermont cannabis consulting, we can help you put together a solid business plan to present to investors.
Step 9: Accumulate local support
Likewise, it’s time to accumulate local support. Applicants with letters of support from the municipality and local organizations will have a clear advantage over those who do not have such support. Therefore, it is important to begin building relationships with these organizations now.
Step 10: Write and submit your Vermont cannabis business application
Finally, it’s time to write your Vermont cannabis business license application.
Broadly speaking, the Vermont cannabis license application requires applicants to write and submit documents for the following:
- Application and License Fees
- Safety and Security Plan
- Business Plan
- Location Information
- Water and Wastewater Requirements
- Talent Recruitment and Training
- Community Impact
- Regulatory and Compliance Plan
- Quality Assurance and Control
- and much more
As shown above, it’s safe to assume that these narratives are extremely time consuming and require hundreds of pages of technical writing. Let our Vermont cannabis consulting team help manage your application from start to finish. Don’t risk your chances of winning a license in Vermont’s cannabis market and contact us today to learn more about our services.
Conclusions from our Vermont Cannabis Application Writers
All in all, our Vermont marijuana business consultants work tirelessly to create strong and highly competitive cannabis applications. For those interested in starting a cannabis business in Vermont, the process can seem daunting. There are many moving parts, from writing a cannabis business plan to recruiting a significantly experienced team. However, the sooner you start the application process and reach out to a cannabis consultant in Vermont, the better. Above all, our expert marijuana business consultants will help you navigate the application. From creating a business plan to raising capital, we are specially equipped to provide assistance every step of the way.
Additional Information on Vermont Cannabis Business Licenses
Ownership Limitations
You are allowed to own one of each Vermont cannabis license type. For instance, you can own one cannabis retail, one cultivator, and one manufacturer license. But you cannot own two retail or two cultivator licenses.
In contrast, vertically integrated license holders are not allowed to own any other types of licenses.
Selling or changing the ownership of Vermont cannabis licenses
In short, you can sell your Vermont marijuana business license. However, you’ll have to apply to the Board for permission to sell your Vermont cannabis license. The Board will check that the new owners are eligible to hold the license and do not exceed any of the ownership limitations.
