Cannabis Licensing Pathways
Understanding Different Cannabis Licensing Types
There is no single licensing pathway into the cannabis industry. Licensing pathways vary by role, scale, and function - and understanding the landscape is the first step to choosing the right path.
Licensing Types
Cultivation
Grow and harvest cannabis plants.
Manufacturing
Produce Cannabis Products and Extracts.
Retail
Operate a dispensary to sell cannabis products.
Social Consumption
Provide a safe space for consumers to purchase and consume on site. This includes Supplemental, Hospitality, and/or Event Organizer license types.
Microbusiness
Small scale business that grows, produces, and/or sells cannabis.
Craft Cooperative
Group of cultivators, manufacturers, and/or retailers working together as a collective to transport to licensed businesses.
Delivery
A delivery-only business that transports and delivers cannabis products directly from a licensed delivery cannabis business to consumers.
Transporter
Transport cannabis and cannabis products between licensed cannabis businesses.
Courier
Third Party delivery directly to consumers.
Testing Lab
Conduct compliance testing for cannabinoids, heavy metals, and contaminants.
Research Facility
Conduct research and testing for safety and potency.
Standards Lab
Perform blind tests to verify the results of an Independent Testing Laboratory at the request of the Commission.
Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MTCs)
Licensed to cultivate, manufacture, and dispense cannabis to registered patients under Chapter 941.