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Micro-Cultivation Licence
A cannabis micro-cultivation licence allows a licensee to obtain and possess cannabis and cannabis plants or seeds by propagating, cultivating and harvesting.
A licensed micro cultivator may also alter cannabis properties for testing purposes, and sell or distribute dried and fresh cannabis, and plants or seeds, to other classes of licence holders. The exception is cannabis nursery licensees, to whom only plants and seeds may be sold or distributed.
A micro cultivation licence holder may also sell and distribute cannabis products to a licensee authorized to sell cannabis for medical purposes or a person authorized to sell cannabis under provincial/territorial statute. All licensees may conduct ancillary activities including drying, trimming, and milling.
Canopy Size Limits
The canopy space is not to exceed 200 square meters (m²) of canopy space for the cultivation, propagation, and harvesting of cannabis plants. All surfaces for the canopy must be counted, such as those arrange above one another to calculate the total surface area permitted. This works out to a total area of 2,153 square feet (sq. ft.) or approximately 1/8th of a hockey rink. Any plants including clones and plantlets will contribute to this total.
Physical Security
The physical security systems for micro-cultivators is limited to three main requirements:
- The site must be designed to prevent unauthorized access.
- Each storage area is surrounded by a physical barrier preventing unauthorized access.
- Access to storage areas is restricted to persons whose presence is required in order to conduct their duties.
A site design is needed to address these requirements, highlighting all areas within the defined site perimeter. Health Canada recommends that applicants consider the “rings of protection” concept, which requires the construction of rings or barriers around protected items and areas. The idea is that an intruder is detected when they try to surmount the first barrier, providing time for police to arrive and prevent the theft.
Good Production Practices (GPP) Report
The GPP report is an important requirement to obtain a micro-cultivation licence. The report must describe storage, highlighting how and where cannabis is stored. This includes storage conditions such as temperature and humidity.
The GPP report must include the full storage procedures for in-process, bulk storage, containers, samples and materials awaiting destruction. The report will need to feature a building description of:
- Surfaces
- Filtration and ventilation systems
- Sir exchanges
- Water supply
- Lighting
- Sanitation, cleaning and maintenance
- Various other aspects
Visual evidence must also be submitted, including guided video tours and photographs of the site to highlight GPP features of the building and operational areas. A GPP attestation is completed to round out the report.
Key Personnel
The personnel required for this licence are:
- Responsible Person
- Master Grower
- Head of Security
Applicants must show that personnel have the knowledge, qualifications, experience and ability to fulfill applicable responsibilities.
The requirements of the Responsible Person are noteworthy as this individual will have the authority to bind the licence holder; has overall responsibility for activities conducted by the licensee; and must know the Cannabis Act and Regulations provisions applying to the holder of the license. The Responsible Person also serves as the official point of contact with Health Canada.
The Head of Security must ensure that the applicable security measures set out in Part 4 of the Cannabis Regulations are complied with, and they are responsible for the Licence Holder’s security plan.
Security clearances are required for key investors, directors and officers of the corporation, partnership or cooperative for any person who exercises, or is in a position to exercise, direct control over the entity; and typically, the responsible person, head of security, master grower, and designated alternates of key personnel.
Site Evidence Package
A site evidence package consists of a guided video tour of the full site. It must highlight the following:
- site perimeter
- All storage areas
- Physical barriers
- Site design
- Visual monitoring
- Intrusion detection
- Restricted access and logs
The package needs to include monitoring and response plans This will include details on the types, specifications and locations of surveillance cameras and access control devices such as, proximity card readers and electric door strikes. This must be accompanies by a description of how authorized personnel will be provided access.
Why Work with CannDelta?
CannDelta offers comprehensive support for your federal cannabis license application, ensuring compliance and competitiveness. Our team, including former Health Canada experts, has unparalleled insight into the regulatory landscape.
Business Plan Development
Establish a strong foundation for your cannabis venture with our business plans, designed to meet Health Canada’s regulatory requirements and promote long-term growth.
Security Plan
Protect your assets and maintain compliance with our thorough security plans, developed to adhere to Canadian federal regulations and ensure peace of mind.
Site Audits and Inspections
Stay proactive with our detailed site audits. We identify potential issues and provide practical solutions to maintain compliance and operational efficiency.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Optimize daily operations with our tailored SOPs. We create clear, compliant procedures to enhance efficiency and ensure smooth business operations.
Marketing Plan
Stand out in Canada’s cannabis market with our strategic branding and outreach plans. We help you establish a strong market presence.
Employee Staffing and Training Plan
Equip your team for success with our recruitment strategies and customized training programs, ensuring your staff is well-prepared to excel in the cannabis industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Get a Micro-Cultivation Licence?
You can get a micro-cultivation licence by completing and submitting an application. Getting this licence includes a variety of steps, including completely building-out your facility and submitting a site evidence package. You will also be required to pay the application fee of $1,886.
What is a Micro-Cultivation Licence?
With a micro-cultivation licence, you can grow, trim, harvest, mill, store, and test cannabis at your cultivation facility. However, micro-cultivators can only have a grow area that is a maximum of 200 meters squared. The micro-cultivation licence can later be scaled up to a standard licence.
How do I Apply for a Micro-Cultivation Licence?
To apply for a micro-cultivation licence, you will need to complete and submit a comprehensive application. This involves completing numerous tasks and paying the application fee of $1,866. Some things you will need to do include notifying local authorities, preparing your site according to all regulatory requirements, identifying all of your key personnel, and more.
How Much is a Micro-Cultivation Licence?
The micro-cultivation licence application fee is $1,866, and there is a security clearance fee of $1,903 required for necessary personnel. There will also be an annual fee (paid once a year) that is calculated specifically for each facility by Health Canada.
