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How does the application process work?

How does the application process work?

The application process is divided into a two-step process.  This two-step process allows applicants to begin the application process by completing Step One (Prequalification) before a location for the medical marijuana facility is established.

Step One – Prequalification

The first step is Prequalification which includes a full background check of the applicant and all supplemental applicants. Before an applicant’s prequalification materials can be reviewed, the applicant must pay the non-refundable $3,000 application fee. The CRA will notify the applicant when and where fingerprints can be taken. Local law enforcement agencies will not collect fingerprints for the CRA and the CRA will not accept fingerprint reports completed by applicants before the applicants are instructed to have their fingerprints collected.

Step Two – State Operating License

The second step requires information specific to the physical location of the applicant’s facility.  It is recommended that the applicant not submit their Step 2 application more than 60 days prior to the facility being ready for inspection. This helps to assure that the information provided regarding the facility is in final form and accurate. 

Under Section 205 of the MMFLA, the Agency cannot issue a license to a facility intending to operate in a municipality unless the municipality in which the applicant's proposed marihuana facility will operate has adopted an ordinance that authorizes that type of facility. An applicant’s physical location must be in a municipality with an ordinance compliant with Section 205 requirements. Any questions about municipal ordinances should be directed toward the appropriate municipal authority.

After the facility has received approval for the state operating license from CRA, the applicant must pay the regulatory assessment for each license the applicant is issued within ten business days of being approved.

  • Grower Class A regulatory assessments are capped at $10,000 by statute.
  • Grower B and C, Processor, Provisioning Center, and Secure Transporter regulatory assessments are dependent on the number of total licenses subject to assessment. The fee is set annually for the current fiscal year and is published by an advisory bulletin.
  • Safety Compliance Facilities do not have a regulatory assessment.