Whether you are looking to establish a new cannabis business or expand your existing operations, our Washington D.C. cannabis consultants created this comprehensive guide to help you understand the key elements of the process, ensuring you are well-prepared to secure your license.
With applications for medical cannabis retailers and internet retailers opening July 1st, you can use this guide to navigate the application. Also, please feel free to fill out our contact form to speak with our cannabis consulting team in Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. Cannabis Consultants
Timelines
To start, lets discuss the licensing timeline for Washington D.C. cannabis business licenses.
Important Dates for Licensing:
- July 1, 2024: Application period opens for non-social equity applicants for Retailer and Internet Retailer licenses.
- August 29, 2024: Deadline for submitting applications for the current open period.
Ensure you mark these dates to avoid missing the critical windows for your application submission.
Regulatory Agency
The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) oversees the regulation and enforcement of cannabis laws in Washington D.C.
Laws & Regulations summary from Washington DC Cannnabis Consultants
Our Washington D.C. cannabis consultants highly recommend that you familiarze yourself with the laws and regulations regarding medical cannabis. Here are the most important items for you to read:
- Title 22-C of District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DC Register)
- Medical Cannabis Statute (DC Council)
- Laws on Commercial Property and Illegal Cannabis Businesses (DC Council)
- ABC Board Rulemaking
For a detailed overview of the legal framework, schedule a call with our cannabis business consultants in Washington D.C. and we’ll answer any questions you may have.
Types of Licenses – Cannabis Consulting Washington DC
There are several types of cannabis business licenses in Washington D.C., including:
- Cultivation Center License
- Manufacturer License
- Retailer License
- Internet Retailer License
- Testing Laboratory License
- Distributor License
- Courier License
The main focus of this article will be on the retailer and internet retailer licenses, since the application round is opening for them in July 2024.
License Application Requirements
Eligibility
Applicants must not have felony convictions related to violence, firearms, tax evasion, or fraud within three years before applying.
Also, there are some location restrictions you must adhere to. Cannabis businesses must not be located within residential districts or within 300 feet of schools or recreation centers.
Process
Our Washington D.C. cannabis consultants summarize the retailer and internet retailer license application process below:
- Pre-Application Preparation:
- Secure a location if applying for a non-conditional license.
- Ensure the location complies with zoning regulations.
- Submission:
- Complete and submit the Medical Cannabis License Application along with supporting documents.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee.
Required Documents – Summarized by our Washington D.C. Cannabis Consultants
Below are the required documents you must submit as part of license application:
- Medical Cannabis License Application
- Trade Name Registration
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Clean Hands Certification
- Certified Surveyor’s Report or GIS map
- Security Plan (if not a conditional license)
- Lease or deed documentation
Fees
Our Washington D.C. cannabis consulting firm summarize the fees you must pay to obtain a cannabis business license in Washington D.C.
You will have to pay two types of fee:
- A non-refundable application fee; and
- if awarded a license, and annual license fee.
Below is a summary of each.
Application Fees
| Standard License Type | Standard Applicant Fee | Social Equity Applicant (SEA) Fee (Reduced for first 3 years of operation) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Retailer License | $8,000 | $2,000 |
| Standard Internet Retailer License | $8,000 | $2,000 |
| Standard Cultivation Center License | $8,000 | $2,000 |
| Standard Manufacturer License | $4,000 | $1,000 |
| Standard Courier License | $4,000 | $1,000 |
| Standard Testing Laboratory | $0 | $0 |
Annual License Fee
Below are the annual licensing fees, as summarized by our cannabis business consultants in Washington D.C.
| Description of Annual License Fees | Standard Business License | SEA License Fee (Reduced for first 3 years of operation) |
|---|---|---|
| Cultivation Center Licenseᶲ | Tier 1 – $11,000 Tier 2 – $16,000 Tier 3 – $21,000 Tier 4 – $26,000 Tier 5 – $31,000 Tier 6 – $36,000 |
Tier 1 – $2,750 Tier 2 – $4,000 Tier 3 – $5,250 Tier 4 – $6,500 Tier 5 – $7,750 Tier 6 – $9,000 |
| Manufacturer License | Type 1 – Manufacturing Only $4,000 Type 2 – Manufacturing and Extraction $8,000 |
Type 1 – Manufacturing Only – $1,000 |
| Retailer License | $16,000 | $4,000 |
| Internet Retailer | $16,000 | $4,000 |
| Courier License | $8,000 | $2,000 |
| Testing Lab License | $7,500 | $1,875 |
Conclusions from our Washington D.C. Cannabis Consultants
Navigating the cannabis licensing process in Washington D.C. can be complex, but with the right preparation and guidance, you can maximize your chances of success.
Quantum 9’s team of experienced cannabis consultants is here to help you every step of the way.
Contact us today to get started on your journey to becoming a licensed cannabis business in Washington D.C.
