Now that Prop 207 has passed, things will begin to open up. There are currently no licenses available but a new round is expected to be issued within the next year or two. While current medical shops might be given priority for adult-use licenses, there will also be 26 social equity licenses up for grabs. Recreational retail shops will likely be vertically integrated like the medical shops. If you want to apply for a cultivation site you can add one to your application for an additional $2,500.
While the final regulations are still up in the air, to apply for a license when the next round of licenses are available, you’ll need to submit an application packet and fees. Licensing fees vary depending on the type of license you are applying for but range between $5,000 and $9,000. Make sure to check the local regulations on cannabis, as counties are able to opt-out of legalization and become “dry counties” which prohibit growth, sale, and use of cannabis. Licenses will not be approved prior to securing a building, appropriate security, and other measures. In order to get all of those things in place, you’re going to need financing.
