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Alaska Cannabis Licensing Overview
Recreational cannabis use was legalized in 2014 in Alaska. As such, there are several types of cannabis licenses available in Alaska, including the cannabis retailer license, standard cannabis cultivation facility license, limited cannabis cultivation facility license, and cannabis product manufacturing facility license.
Alaska Cannabis Business License Types
Alaska has six different cannabis business licenses and an onsite consumption endorsement. The licenses include:
- Standard Marijuana Cultivation
- Limited Marijuana Cultivation
- Marijuana Product Manufacturing
- Marijuana Testing
- Retail Marijuana Store
- Onsite Consumption Endorsement
Each of these licenses requires a separate application submission to the Alcohol & Marijuana Control Office (AMCO). Licenses are reviewed and issued on a rolling basis.
Standard Marijuana Cultivation Facility
A standard cannabis cultivation facility license allows for the operation of a cannabis cultivation facility that is over 500 square feet. This allows the business to plant, propagate, cultivate, harvest, trim, dry, cure, package, or label cannabis.
Standard cultivation facilities can sell cannabis to a licensed retail store, to another licensed cannabis cultivation facility, or to a licensed cannabis product manufacturing facility in Alaska. You can also provide samples to facilities with an Alaska cannabis testing license.
A marijuana cultivation facility must ensure that every agent, licensee, and employee has a marijuana handler permit before starting work. They must also have their permit card or a valid copy on hand or on file at the facility at all times.
A standard marijuana cultivation facility licensee can also apply for a marijuana product manufacturing facility license, a retail marijuana store license, or both.
Limited Marijuana Cultivation Facility
A limited cannabis cultivation facility license provides all of the privileges of a standard cannabis cultivation facility license, but the facility must be fewer than 500 square feet under cultivation.
A marijuana cultivation facility must ensure that every agent, licensee, and employee has a marijuana handler permit before starting work. They must also have their permit card or a valid copy on hand or on file at the facility at all times.
A limited marijuana cultivation facility licensee can also apply for a marijuana product manufacturing facility license, a retail marijuana store license, or both.
Retail Marijuana Stores
The cannabis retailer license allows the holder to sell cannabis and cannabis products to customers. All cannabis and cannabis products sold at an Alaska dispensary must be purchased from a cannabis producer or a cannabis processor.
A retail marijuana store must ensure that every licensee, employee, or agent has a valid marijuana handler permit before starting work. Additionally, each person must have their marijuana handler permit card or a copy of it on the premises at all times.
An Alaska dispensary license holder may also apply for a marijuana cultivation facility license, marijuana product manufacturing facility license, or both.
Marijuana Testing Facility
The marijuana testing facility license authorizes the licensee to test marijuana and marijuana products from cultivators and manufacturers. Testing facilities must be able to identify the following:
- THC, THCA, CBD, CBDA, and CBN potency
- Harmful microbials such as E. coli and salmonella
- Residual solvents
- Poisons or toxins
- Harmful chemicals
- Dangerous molds
- Mildew or filth
- Pesticides
An Alaska cannabis testing license holder, employee, or agent cannot have any ownership or financial interest in another licensed marijuana establishment.
Alaska Cannabis Business Licensing Fee Structure
Those seeking an Alaska cannabis business license must submit a license application including the required (non-refundable) application fee.
Licensed cannabis businesses in Alaska must also pay a renewal fee by request from the AMCO.
Other cannabis license fees may be required by the AMCO for license transfers, penalties, changes, and more.
How to Apply for a Cannabis Business License in Alaska
Creating and submitting a cannabis business license application can be a time consuming and complicated process. Each license type has a number of particular supplemental documents, plans and procedures that must be submitted as a part of the initial application. For a comprehensive list of the documents required for each license type, visit the AMCO website.
The general application can be completed through the following steps:
Step 1:
Create a “myAlaska” account and begin an online application.
Step 2:
Add all of the required documents and supplemental forms. All applications will require the following document submissions:
- Form MJ-00: Application Certifications
- Form MJ-01: Marijuana Establishment Operating Plan
- Form MJ-02: Premises Diagram
- Form MJ-07: Public Notice Posting Affidavit
- Form MJ-08: Local Government Notice Affidavit
- Publisher’s Affidavit
- Form MJ-09: Statement of Financial Interest
- Proof of Possession for Proposed Premises
- Entity Documents
- Fingerprint Cards
- Fingerprint Fees (See Marijuana Licensing Fees list for current fee per person)
- New Application Fee ($1,000 for each license type)
- Additional License-Type-Specific Items
Step 3:
Create and submit all the required supplemental forms.
Step 4:
Wait to hear back from the AMCO following the 60 day waiting period and potential protest from the local government.
Note: Some subtle differences in application requirements may exist depending on the business structure.
License Renewal Requirements
The AMCO requires that licenses be renewed. They will send a notice to all establishments that require renewal by May 1 of each year. After receiving a notice, renewal application must be filed no later than June 30 of that year.
Applications will not be reviewed until all required forms and fees are submitted for each license type.
Required Documents:
- Cover Sheet
- Form MJ-20: Renewal Application Certifications
- Form MJ-20a: Residency Exception Affidavit
- Fingerprint Card: Required for each individual licensee unless specified otherwise
- Fingerprint Fees: $48.25 per person (one fee per licensee covers all marijuana licenses being renewed)
- Renewal Application Fee: $600.00
License Renewal Fees:
- Limited Cultivation: $1,400.00
- Concentrate Manufacturing: $2,000.00
- Testing Facilities: $5,000.00
- Standard Product Manufacturing, Retail Store, and Standard Cultivation: $7,000.00
Onsite Consumption Endorsement (if applicable):
- Renewal Application Fee: $600.00 (in addition to the renewal application fee)
- Renewal Fee: $2,000.00 (in addition to the renewal application fee and the endorsement renewal application fee)
License Conversion
License conversion allows marijuana businesses in Alaska to switch between specific types of licenses, such as changing a limited cultivation license to a standard cultivation license. The process requires a formal application, and the business’s owner and location cannot change during the conversion.
- Limited marijuana cultivation facility license to a standard marijuana cultivation facility license, and vice versa.
- Marijuana concentrate manufacturing facility license to a standard marijuana product manufacturing facility license, and vice versa.
Why Work with CannDelta?
Looking for a cannabis consultant? Partner with CannDelta to access a dedicated team committed to your success. With our extensive experience across North America, we offer unique insights into the evolving cannabis industry. Our team is well-versed in the local regulatory landscape in Alaska and equipped with all the tools needed to help you successfully launch your cannabis business. Here’s how we can assist you:
Alaska Cannabis Business Applications
Enter the cannabis market with confidence through our comprehensive support. We help you prepare, submit, and monitor your license application to ensure it meets compliance standards and stands out in the competitive market.
Business Plan Development:
Build a solid foundation for your cannabis business with our tailored business plans designed to meet regulatory requirements and promote sustainable growth.
Operational Plans and Procedures:
Our team of cannabis consultants creates detailed operational plans that comply with Alaska’s cannabis regulations and protect your business assets.
Zoning Support & Site Audits:
CannDelta provides zoning and location support to ensure your site is compliant and suitable for a cannabis business, helping you pass all required site audits.
Site Audits and Inspections:
Stay compliant with our thorough site audits. We identify potential issues and provide solutions to maintain compliance and enhance operational efficiency.
Marketing Package:
Make your brand stand out with our marketing support. We help you build your brand and develop effective marketing strategies to establish a strong presence in Alaska’s growing cannabis market.
Employee Staffing and Training Plan:
We provide strategic hiring and customized training programs to equip your team for success in the cannabis industry.
Fill out the form below to connect with our cannabis consultants today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Open a Dispensary In Alaska?
You can open a dispensary in Alaska when there is an open application window. The first step to opening a dispensary is submitting a dispensary license application. In doing so, you will need to complete a variety of plans and procedures indicating your capability to operate a compliant Alaska dispensary. You will also need to pay the required application and licensing fees of $5,000 and $7,000.
Is Cannabis Legal in Alaska?
Cannabis is legal for recreational and medical use in Alaska. Adults must be 21 or older to purchase cannabis for recreational use.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Cultivation License in Alaska?
Getting a cultivation license in Alaska has costs that vary depending on the kind of license being applied for. The application fee for a Limited Cultivation Facility license is $1,400 with a licensing renewal fee of $1,400. For a Standard Cultivation Facility license, the application fee is $5,000 and the licensing renewal fee is $7,000. Beyond the application and licensing fees, building-out and operationalizing a cultivation facility can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.
How Do I Start a Cannabis Business in Alaska?
The first step of starting a cultivation in Alaska is applying and obtaining a cannabis business license from the AMCO. The application involves a variety of steps, and document submissions and can be difficult to complete without professional assistance. After obtaining a license, the licensed entity must build-out their facility/dispensary following local-government approval.
How Do I Renew a Cannabis License in Alaska?
License holders will be notified when they must renew their license. Renewing a cannabis business license requires the following document submissions:
- Cover Sheet
- Form MJ-20: Renewal Application Certifications
- Form MJ-20a: Residency Exception Affidavit
- Fingerprint Card: Required for each individual licensee unless specified otherwise
Any applicable renewal fees must also be paid.
