How To Open a Dispensary in the US Virgin Islands in 2025
The US Virgin Islands (USVI) has officially opened its application window for adult-use dispensary licenses, marking a major milestone for the territory’s growing cannabis market. As of July 8, 2025, the Office of Cannabis Regulation (OCR) is now accepting applications for adult-use dispensaries across St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. The OCR will be accepting cannabis license applications until September 30, 2025. With limited licenses available and a competitive merit-based selection process in place, prospective operators should act quickly and prepare thoroughly. If you’re ready to learn how to open a dispensary in the US Virgin Islands, this guide will walk you through what to expect, from eligibility to scoring criteria.
Key Dates and Timeline
Act 8680 (Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act) provides the primary legislation regulating the use of cannabis in the USVI and establishes the Office of Cannabis Regulations (OCR), which is responsible for creating corresponding rules and regulations for permits and licenses. The governor signed the rules and regulations for Act 8680 on May 4, 2024, and its amendments (Act 8925) on October 31, 2024.
Last December, the OCR announced that dispensary applications would not be accepted until the cultivation license window had closed. That window opened on March 31, 2025, and closed on June 27, 2025. Shortly after, on July 8, 2025, the OCR officially opened the adult-use dispensary application window, allowing prospective operators to begin submitting applications for limited licenses across the territory.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
Eligibility
Applicants must be 21 years old or older and be residents of the USVI. To be considered as a U.S. Virgin Islands resident, the applicants must have lived in the USVI for at least 10 of the last 15 years prior to the license application. For Business entities, at least 50.1% of the entity holding a license must be owned by USVI residents.
Likewise, applicants must not have any disqualifying felony offenses. A disqualifying felony offense is a crime classified as a felony for which the person was convicted. This applies if the crime happened before the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act was introduced, or if a felony was handled by another authority. However, it excludes offenses where the sentence was completed, and the act is no longer illegal.
Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient capitalization to fund the project, which may come in the form of bank statements, irrevocable lines of credit, or their equivalent.
Lastly, a license is ineligible for anyone who had an immediate family member holding elected office in the USVI executive or legislative branches, or was employed by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, the OCR, or the cannabis advisory board in the last 12 months.
In short, here are the eligibility requirements:
Applicants must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be residents of the USVI for at least 10 of the last 15 years
- For business entities, at least 50.1% of the ownership must be held by USVI residents.
Applicants must also:
- Not have disqualifying felony convictions (unless the sentence was completed and the act is no longer illegal)
- Demonstrate sufficient capital (bank statements, irrevocable lines of credit, or equivalent)
- Not be closely related to individuals who held elected office or worked for the OCR, Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, or cannabis advisory board in the last 12 months
General License Application Requirements
Every US Virgin Islands cannabis business license has specific requirements. However, there are general application requirements that apply to all license applications, which include:
- Personal information,
- Fingerprints and consent for background checks;
- All requested financial information.
- Description of corporate structure;
- Proof of possession and a detailed diagram of the proposed location;
- List of all officers who handle daily operations.
- Proposed emergency response plan;
- An affidavit by the owner and financial interest holder declaring the information in the application as true and complete;
- Completed business license application, and
- Payment of a non-refundable application fee.
Application Roadmap for USVI Dispensary Owners
The OCR will issue a limited number of dispensary licenses on the following islands:
- St Thomas Dispensary: up to 7 licenses
- St John Dispensary: up to 3 licenses
- St Croix Dispensary: up to 7 licenses
Licenses will be awarded through a Merit-Based Selection Process, granting them only to applicants deemed most capable of operating a U.S. Virgin Islands dispensary. In addition to meeting general requirements, applicants must submit detailed information specific to dispensary operations. Applications are scored, and licenses are awarded to the highest-ranking applicants per island. Conditional licenses may be issued to top scorers, but final approval requires a successful inspection and verification that the premises and operations comply with the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act.
Scoring Criteria
Applications for a U.S. Virgin Islands dispensary license will be scored out of 1,000 points, across six categories:
- Business, Financial, and Operating Plans (300 points)
Includes long-term business strategy, security plans, safe dispensing procedures, and environmental controls like odor management. - Applicant’s Knowledge and Experience (200 points)
Evaluates character, cannabis knowledge, and previous business management experience. - Staffing and Training (100 points)
Must show clear plans for hiring, training, and ensuring employees understand operational procedures and laws. - Security and Recordkeeping (200 points)
Includes theft prevention, transport security, and documentation systems. Applicants must identify a certified private security contractor. - Emergency Plan (50 points)
Must detail how cannabis inventory and facilities will be protected during disasters. - Social Equity Plan (150 points)
Additional points are awarded to entities that:- Have USVI residency (10 of the last 15 years)
- Are woman- or service-disabled veteran-owned
- Have been impacted by previous cannabis enforcement
- Actively participate in community initiatives
Fees
Your application will not be considered complete without payment. A non-refundable $10,000 application fee must be paid on or before the deadline of September 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM. Payments can be made in person at the OCR/DLCA offices on St. Croix or St. Thomas. Please note that cashier hours are 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM daily, so plan accordingly.
Opportunities & Challenges
The cannabis market in the USVI is in its early stages. Drawing from the experience of other states, the first few years will be crucial for those hoping to operate a medical marijuana dispensary in U.S. Virgin Islands. Here’s what to consider:
Oversight of the entire supply chain: Cannabis operators have the opportunity to scale their businesses through vertical integration, as the OCR allows licensees to hold multiple business licenses. This enables local entrepreneurs to establish operations without relying on outside suppliers. For experienced operators, it also means faster entry into the market.
Leading cannabis hub in the Caribbean: Although the USVI has a relatively small population of around 84,000, dispensaries stand to benefit from strong tourism-driven sales. Projected increases in airline routes and cruise ship arrivals could surpass the record of over 2 million visitors in 2025. This presents a major opportunity for legal-age tourists seeking to purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries.
Lack of precedent: Applicants must invest considerable time in understanding the application and compliance process, as limited guidance is currently available. While the OCR regularly holds forums to clarify evolving rules, long-term planning may still prove difficult due to regulatory changes and uncertainty.
Unknown THC limit: The OCR has not yet determined whether a maximum THC limit will be imposed on cannabis products sold in the territory. THC levels will impact product pricing, consumer safety protocols, and logistical planning for compliant operations.
High startup costs: Applicants should be prepared for significant upfront expenses related to fees, site development, and operational setup. With a limited number of licenses available, the financial risk is high—there is no guarantee of approval despite substantial investment.
That said, the stakes are high for applicants in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Securing a license can propel your business forward, while falling short may mean starting over. Given the competitive, evolving landscape, working with experienced cannabis consultants can provide a significant advantage in navigating the process successfully.
Why Work With CannDelta
As the USVI prepares to launch its cannabis market, the opportunity to establish a U.S. Virgin Islands dispensary is within reach. CannDelta’s team of consultants has helped clients win licenses in competitive markets across the U.S. Our strategic guidance, application support, and compliance expertise can help you navigate the licensing process and open a medical marijuana dispensary in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Book a call today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Virgin Islands dispensary license cost?
To apply for a dispensary license in the U.S. Virgin Islands, applicants must pay a non-refundable $10,000 application fee. This fee must be submitted in person at the OCR/DLCA offices on St. Croix or St. Thomas, no later than the application deadline at 3:00 PM.
How do I get a dispensary license in the US Virgin Islands?
To secure a dispensary license in the US Virgin Islands, individuals or business entities must undergo the application process set by the Office of Cannabis Regulations (OCR). An applicant must:
- Meet the eligibility criteria,
- Submit all requirements,
- Show proof that the business is ready to operate fairly and legally in the local jurisdiction and the USVI.
- Pay fees, and
- Consent to background checks and inspections.
The OCR uses a point-based system in awarding the limited number of dispensary licenses. So, completion of the application doesn’t necessarily warrant a dispensary license.
What are the dispensary license requirements in the US Virgin Islands?
General requirements include applicant information, corporate structure, financials, proof of property possession, and emergency response plans. Additional requirements specific to dispensaries in St Thomas, St Croix, and St John are evaluated in a scoring process, including staffing, experience, and community impact.
How long does it take to get a dispensary license in the US Virgin Islands?
Applicants will have from July 8, until September 30, 2025 to submit their applications. This includes submitting all documents, and paying the required fees.
