Massachusetts CANNABIS LICENSES

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Important Dates for Marijuana Licensing in 2025

The Cannabis Control Commission hosts Advisory Board Meetings and Public Hearings often. The exact dates for 2025 are posted on their website: https://masscannabiscontrol.com/calendar/
For applicants awaiting announcements to begin operations, check the licensing tracker: https://masscannabiscontrol.com/licensing-tracker/

Massachusetts Cannabis License Overview

Adult-use marijuana was officially legalized in Massachusetts in 2017.

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) oversees the cannabis licensing process in Massachusetts. At this time, residents have easy access to cannabis through the state’s hundreds of regulated adult-use dispensaries.

The Massachusetts cannabis industry is regulated by the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) and includes licenses for cultivation, manufacturing, retail, testing, research, delivery, and more. The state has implemented a structured licensing process that requires businesses to meet both state and municipal requirements before operating. The licensing process includes multiple phases, beginning with securing a Host Community Agreement (HCA) with the municipality where the business will operate. Applicants must also ensure compliance with zoning laws, conduct a community outreach meeting, and demonstrate financial and operational readiness.

Once local approvals are obtained, applicants must propose a location (showing lease, ownership, or option to purchase agreement), submit a state license application, which includes background checks, financial disclosures, and detailed business plans. If approved, the business receives a Provisional License, allowing it to finalize facility construction, install security measures, and meet all operational requirements.

Before receiving a Final License, the CCC conducts an inspection to verify compliance. Only after obtaining a Commence Operations Notice can the business begin selling or producing cannabis. This multi-step process ensures that businesses operate safely, legally, and in compliance with Massachusetts’ strict cannabis regulations.

How to Apply for A Cannabis License in Massachusetts

1. Review the laws

Applicants must be knowledgeable of the laws and regulations of Massachusetts regarding medical and adult-use cannabis. Wherever the business plans to operate, it’s best to verify local regulations first. Certain municipalities (e.g., Boston) require additional actions before applying.

2. Develop Strategies

Develop the essential operational plans necessary for your application, including the following:

Business Plan—A comprehensive description of the objectives and organizational structure of your organization.
Positive Impact Plan (PIP)—How your business will contribute to the local community.
Local Code Compliance Plan—Guaranteeing compliance with municipal regulations.
Diversity Plan—A strategy that outlines the recruitment strategies and workplace policies that ensures inclusivity and anti-discrimination measures.
Security Plan—A blueprint for protecting and preventing unauthorized access, diversion, and larceny.

3. Acquire Ownership Information

Applicants must determine all individuals and entities that have direct or indirect control over the business. Gather the documentation for each organization and individual listed in the application. Most jurisdictions in New Jersey require background checks.

4. Conduct a Community Outreach Meeting and secure a Host Community Agreement

Applicants must engage with local community. Arranging a community outreach meeting to educate residents about your cannabis business is a good start. It’s also vital to negotiate and execute a Host Community Agreement (HCA) with the municipality. Your application should include a signed HCA and meeting confirmation.

5. Submit Your Completed Application

Apply via the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Portal (MassCIP) and pay the necessary expenses for the license application and background check.

6. Provisional License Issuance and Application Review

CCC evaluates applications under their priority status and follows the sequence of submission. Priority for the cannabis license list in Massachusetts is for Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and Economic Empowerment Applicants.

In addition, fingerprinting and background investigations are mandatory for all applicants. Within 90 days, The Commission will issue either a provisional license or a rejection. To ensure adherence to local codes, applicants may ask for certification from the municipality.

7. Final Inspection and License Approval

Before the opening, the Commission will do one last check. Once all safety duties are met, operational permission will be given.

License Types and Requirements

Marijuana Cultivator

A Marijuana Cultivator license holder is authorized to cultivate, process, and package cannabis for sale to other licensed establishments.

Processing activities include harvesting, drying, curing, trimming, and separating parts of the cannabis plant. Cultivators can not engage in manufacturing activities.

Maximum of 3 cultivator licenses per entity
Max 100,000 sq. ft. of canopy, shared with MTCs.
Cultivators can hold any other license except for the Craft Marijuana Cooperative License, Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL) License, and the Third-Party Transporter License.

Requirements:

Submit a Management and Operations Profile that explains how you will grow, protect, and manage the plants according to regulations.
Submit an energy compliance letter (alternative options may be available for Tier 1 or Tier 2). The cultivation tier of cultivation license application depends highly on the size of the canopy:
- Tier 1: up to 5,000 sq. ft.
- Tier 2: 5,001 to 10,000 sq. ft.
- Tier 3 up to Tier 11 is with 10,000 sq.ft. Increments (e.g., Tier 3: 10,001 to 20,000 sq. ft. and Tier 11: 90,001 – 100,000 sq. ft.)
The fees for cultivation license application are contingent upon the tier, with the application fee spanning from $100 to $2,000 and the annual license fee from $625 to $50,000.
Location Requirement: A proposed location is necessary, and approval must be obtained before operation.

Marijuana Product Manufacturer

A Marijuana Product Manufacturer license authorizes the production, processing, and packaging of cannabis products. Products that can be manufactured include edibles, vape products, and more.

Requirements:

Submission of a comprehensive manufacturing plan that delineates production methods and quality control.
Adherence to all safety and sanitation regulations.
Fees:
- $1,500 application fee
- $10,000 annual license fee.
Location Requirement: A proposed facility must be authorized.
Marijuana Product Manufacturers can hold any other license except for the Craft Marijuana Cooperative License, Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL) License, and the Third-Party Transporter License.

Marijuana Retailer

The Retailer Cannabis Business License in Massachusetts enables the sale of cannabis and cannabis products to consumers.

Marijuana retailers are also allowed to purchase, repackage, white label, transport, and sell cannabis products to consumers and other licensed businesses.

Requirements:

Fees:
- $1,500 application fee
- $10,000 annual license fee.
Location Requirement: Applicants must secure property control (lease, ownership, or use agreement) and sign a Host Community Agreement (HCA) before applying. Local zoning approval is required for the Final License.
An individual or entity can hold a maximum of 3 Marijuana Retailer licenses.
A Retailer license allows you to operate one dispensary.
Marijuana Retailers can hold any other license except for the Craft Marijuana Cooperative License, Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL) License, and the Third-Party Transporter License.

Microbusiness

A Massachusetts Microbusiness cannabis license allows small-scale operations for Tier 1 cultivation and/or product manufacturing.

An individual or entity can hold a maximum of 3 Microbusiness licenses.
However, Microbusinesses cannot hold other Marijuana Establishment (ME) licenses, except:
- - A Delivery Endorsement (to deliver their own products).
  - A Social Consumption Establishment License (to allow on-site cannabis consumption).

Requirements:

The majority of those holding ownership in the license/licensed business must have resided in Massachusetts for 12 months or more.
Can purchase a maximum of 2,000 lbs from other licensed businesses.
Fees:
- Application fee: $0.
- The annual license fee is equal to 50% of all applicable license fees dependant on the activities the microbusiness engages in. For example, if the microbusiness is engaging in cultivation and manufacturing, they must pay 50% of the original license fee for each.
Location Requirement: A site must be identified and authorized for the initial application.
License Cap: Microbusiness license holders cannot own any other cannabis businesses in Massachusetts, but they can have a delivery endorsement.

Independent Testing Laboratory

A testing laboratory needs to secure a cannabis business license in Massachusetts to offer third-party testing services for cannabis and cannabis products.

An Independent Testing Laboratory (ITL) License is valid for only one location.
If a business wants to operate testing labs at multiple locations, they must obtain separate licenses for each location.
An individual or entity can hold a maximum of 3 Independent Testing Laboratory licenses.
ITLs cannot hold any other Marijuana Establishment (ME) or Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MTC) licenses.
ITLs must remain financially independent from all other cannabis businesses to avoid conflicts of interest in testing results.

Requirements:

ISO 17025:2017 accreditation. This ensures that the lab meets international standards for competence, impartiality, and consistent testing quality. This must be obtained from a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Mutual Recognition Arrangement, which verifies that the lab’s testing methods and results are reliable. This documentation may also be provided upon the Commission’s inspection.
Financial interests in any other cannabis business is prohibited for employees and executives.
Fees:
- $1,500 application fee
- $10,000 annual license fee.
Location Requirement: Must identify a location to apply.

Marijuana Transporter

In Massachusetts, a Marijuana Transporter License allows businesses to legally transport cannabis and cannabis products between licensed Marijuana Establishments (MEs) and Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers (MTCs). There are two types of transporter licenses:

Existing Licensee Transporter – Issued to an ME or MTC that wants to transport cannabis and cannabis products on behalf of other licensed businesses.
Third-Party Transporter – Allows independent businesses (that do not hold any other cannabis license) to transport cannabis between MEs and MTCs without selling or processing it.

Both license types require compliance with strict security and transportation protocols, including vehicle tracking, manifest documentation, and secure storage.

Requirements:

Application fees:
- $1,500 for Third-Party Transporter license
- $1,000 for Existing Licensee Transporter
- $5,000 for annual licensing fee
Location Requirement: A secure storage facility is required.

Marijuana Courier

A Marijuana Courier License in Massachusetts allows a business to deliver cannabis and cannabis products directly to consumers on behalf of a licensed Marijuana Retailer or Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MTC).

Requirements:

Delivery services only; no storefront is permitted.
All vehicles must be GPS-tracked and equipped with surveillance systems.
Applicants and licensees must notify the Commission of any delivery agreements with Retailers and other 3rd-party
Fees:
- A $1,500 application fee
- $5,000 annual license fee.
Location Requirement: An operating base is required.

Marijuana Delivery Operator

A Marijuana Delivery Operator License Holder can purchase wholesale cannabis and deliver it directly to consumers. The application process involves two sections: the Pre-Certification Application and the Provisional License Application.

Requirements:

Exclusive to Social Equity Participants for 36 months.
A detailed plan for White Labeling, agreements with Third-Party Technology Platforms, and other necessary plans.
Must adhere to security and delivery monitoring regulations.
Fees:
- $1,500 application fee
- $10,000 annual license fee.
Location Requirement: A facility for secure product storage is necessary.

Marijuana Research Facility License

A Marijuana Research Facility in Massachusetts is a licensed entity authorized to conduct cannabis-related research, including cultivation, product development, or scientific studies. These facilities must obtain a separate Research Permit for each project and comply with strict state regulations to ensure ethical and legal research practices.

Requirements

A Marijuana Research Facility License is valid for only one location.
If a business wants to operate research facilities at multiple locations, they must obtain separate licenses for each site.
An individual or entity can hold a maximum of 3 Marijuana Research Facility licenses.
Research Facilities can cultivate, purchase, or acquire cannabis for research purposes, but only if permitted under their license or an approved Research Permit.
All research projects require a separate Research Permit, which must be approved by the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC).
Application Fee: $300
Annual License Fee: $1,000
Research Permit Fee (per project): $1,000

Standards Testing Laboratory License

A Standards Testing Laboratory in Massachusetts is a licensed facility that conducts blind quality assurance testing to verify the accuracy of results from Independent Testing Laboratories. These labs must remain financially independent from other cannabis businesses to ensure impartiality and compliance with state regulations.

Requirements

A Standards Testing Laboratory License is valid for only one location.
If a business wants to operate multiple testing labs, they must obtain separate licenses for each location.
An individual or entity can hold a maximum of 3 Standards Testing Laboratory licenses.
Standards Testing Laboratories cannot hold any other Marijuana Establishment (ME) or Medical Marijuana Treatment Center (MTC) licenses.
These labs conduct blind quality assurance testing to verify the results of Independent Testing Laboratories.
Application Fee: $1,500
Annual License Fee: $10,000

Social Consumption Establishment

Enables the consumption of cannabis on-site.

Requirements:

For the initial 36 months, this opportunity is exclusively available to Social Equity participants, Microbusinesses, and Craft Marijuana Cooperatives.
A business plan that delineates responsible consumption measures is required.
Fees:
- $1,500 application fee
- $10,000 annual license fee.
Location Requirement: A site must be designated.

Eligibility Criteria For Cannabis License Applicants

Some Massachusetts cannabis licenses require residency:
- Microbusiness & Craft Marijuana Cooperative: Majority of executives/members must have lived in MA for 12+ months.
- Other licenses: No residency requirement; non-residents can apply.
- All applicants must pass background checks.
- Business owners must submit:
  - Proof of good standing with Secretary of the Commonwealth and Department of Revenue.
  - Diversity and positive impact plan

Application Requirements for Adult-Use Cannabis License in Massachusetts:

To register for a cannabis license in Massachusetts, petitioners must submit a comprehensive application that encompasses the following elements:

Application of Intent,
Background Check, and
Management and Operations Profile.

Application of Intent

Business Registration: Documentation proving the Marijuana Establishment is an entity registered to do business in Massachusetts.
Ownership Disclosure: A complete list of all persons or entities with direct or indirect control over the business.
Financial Documentation: Proof of capital resources, including sources of funding and ownership structure.
Host Community Agreement (HCA): Applicants must secure a signed agreement with the municipality where they intend to operate.
Community Outreach Documentation: Proof that the applicant has held a public meeting within the past six months.
Property Documentation: Demonstrating the right to use the proposed location through:
- Ownership title
- Lease agreement
- Option to purchase agreement.

Background Check

Criminal and Financial History: A detailed review of all persons or entities in control, including any history of:

Criminal offenses related to cannabis
Regulatory violations
Financial fraud.

Management and Operations Profile

Business Plan: A detailed overview of how the business will be structured and operated.
Security Plan: Procedures for preventing unauthorized access, theft, and diversion of cannabis.
Diversity Plan: Strategies to promote diversity in hiring, focusing on underrepresented groups.
Energy Compliance Plan: If applicable, an energy use compliance letter from a Massachusetts Licensed Engineer or Architect.

Background Investigation

A third-party vendor performs the Commission’s background checks. The applicant must show a government-issued identification card and submit three (3) authorization forms—including a CORI Acknowledgement Form, Disclosure & Acknowledgement Form, and Release Authorization Form. Thereafter, a comprehensive examination of all individuals or entities in control will be conducted, including any history of:

Criminal offenses related to cannabis
Regulatory violations
Financial fraud.

Profile of Management and Operations

Business Plan: A comprehensive account of the organization and operations of the business.
Certificates of Good Standing: All can be secured through the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Department of Revenue, and Department of Unemployment Assistance
Proposed Timeline: A cannabis business must submit a timeline with projected dates for events and operations that will occur after issuing a provisional license
Summary Of Operating Plans and Policies: This includes Security, Prevention of Diversion, Storage, Transportation, Inventory, Quality Control and Testing Procedures, Personnel Policies, Record-keeping, Employment Plan and Training, and Energy Compliance.
Diversity Plan: Strategies to encourage diversity in hiring, with a particular emphasis on underrepresented groups.
There are additional requirements that the Commission requires depending on the type you’re applying for in the cannabis license list in Massachusetts.

Social Equity

Social Equity Program (SEP) Eligibility

An individual or entity qualifies for the Social Equity Program if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

Residency & Income-Based Eligibility

Lived in an Area of Disproportionate Impact for at least 5 of the past 10 years.
Income must not exceed 400% of the Area Median Income.

Criminal Justice Impact Eligibility

Lived in Massachusetts for at least 12 months AND
Has a past conviction (or continuance without a finding) for a cannabis-related offense under M.G.L. c. 94C or a similar law in another state.

Family Impact Eligibility

Lived in Massachusetts for at least 12 months AND
Is the spouse or child of someone convicted of a cannabis-related offense.

Economic Empowerment Involvement Eligibility

Original owner of an Economic Empowerment Priority Applicant (EEPA) business AND
Meets one or more of the following:
- Lived in an Area of Disproportionate Impact for at least 5 of the last 10 years.
- Worked in a role serving disproportionately impacted communities.
- Is of Black, African American, Hispanic, or Latino descent.
- Demonstrates significant business experience promoting economic empowerment.

50% reduction in all fees

100% reduction for the first-year annual fee

Economic Empowerment Priority Applicant (EEPA)

An applicant qualifies as an EEPA if they meet at least three (3) of the following six criteria, including at least one ownership-related requirement:

Ownership-Based Criteria

51% or more ownership by individuals who:

Lived in an Area of Disproportionate Impact for 5 of the last 10 years.
Worked in roles serving disproportionately impacted communities.
Are Black, African American, Hispanic, or Latino.

Workforce & Community-Based Criteria

At least 51% of employees or contractors live in an Area of Disproportionate Impact (75% goal by opening).
At least 51% of employees have past drug-related CORI (criminal record) but are legally employable.
Demonstrates strong business experience promoting economic empowerment in impacted communities.

50% reduction in all fees

100% reduction for the first-year annual fee

Waivers of Fees

Waivers or reductions in application and license fees are offered to certain applicants.

Microbusiness Applicants
Social Equity Program Participants (SEP)
Economic Empowerment Priority Applicants (EE)
Certified Massachusetts Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), and Veteran Business Enterprises (VBE)
Delivery Licensees (during the exclusivity period)

A 100% discount on the initial license fee is waived for:

Priority Delivery Licenses for Social Equity and Economic Empowerment.

The Monthly Marijuana Enforcement Tracking and Reporting System (Metrc) is waived for:

Microbusiness
Craft Marijuana Cooperatives
EEs
SEPs
MBEs, WBEs, VBEs
Delivery Licensees

A 50% reduction of the annual (initial and renewal) license fee is waived for:

SEPs
MBEs, WBEs, and VBEs
Delivery Licensees

Note: The Commission does not accept waivers for application fees, annual license fees, and the Seed-to-Sale System of Record Fees. However, the Commission may consider special cases where entities seek fee deadline extensions.

Why Work With CannDelta?

Opportunities await for cannabis businesses in Massachusetts and on the East Coast! To increase the chances of securing your place in the state’s lucrative market, it’s best to tap into the expertise and knowledge of CannDelta’s specialized Massachusetts Cannabis consulting. The cannabis license applications and the review process require a significant amount of work not just at the state level, but also at the municipality level. CannDelta’s team of consultants and cannabis experts have helped various businesses in Massachusetts and other states to get ready and expand their businesses while remaining compliant. Here’s how we can help:

Fill out the form below to connect with our cannabis consultants today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cannabis legal in Massachusetts?

Yes, in Massachusetts it is allowed to use weed for both medical use and fun. People aged 21 and up are allowed to have up to 1 ounce of cannabis or 5 grams of extract with them in public. They can also grow up to 6 plants for their use (12 plants per home). Depending on their prescription, medical marijuana users may be able to have more.

How do I get a growing license in Massachusetts?

To get a cannabis cultivation license in Massachusetts, you must apply through the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) to get a cannabis production license, also known as a license. Parts of the process are:

Sending in an Application of Intent with information about your security, compliance, and business plan.
Running a “background check” on important employees.
Sending in a farming plan that includes safety measures, environmental practices, and how to handle waste.
Following state rules, once you’re accepted, you can run a cannabis cultivation facility.

How much is a cannabis license in Massachusetts?

A cannabis license in Massachusetts entails shelling out some money for an application fee, license fee, capital, and other operational costs. It’s vital to determine the tier of the cannabis cultivation license in Massachusetts by knowing the canopy size of your cultivation area. The tier will dictate the cost of application fees, ranging from $100 to $2000, with corresponding annual license fees ranging between $625 and $50,000. In special cases, the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) can waive or reduce the said fees.

How do I open a cannabis retail store in Massachusetts?

To open a dispensary in Massachusetts, you must follow the following steps:

Review the laws—state, local, and federal.
Prepare the operational plans for your cannabis retail license application.
Ready all the documentation, including the direct or indirect control of entities over the retail dispensary.
Conduct community outreach meetings and secure a Host Community Agreement (HCA) with the municipality.
Fill out and submit your application together with documents through the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Portal (MassCIP).
Pay the necessary fees and get set for background checks.
During application review, wait for announcements or additional requests for information.
The CCC does final inspections before opening your retail dispensary in Massachusetts.

How much does a cannabis microbusiness license cost in Massachusetts?

Microbusiness license holders in Massachusetts pay 50% of the annual license fee—initial and final. The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) may also waive the payment of the monthly Marijuana Enforcement Tracking and Reporting System (Metrc) fee. Before the license issuance, microbusiness entities had to submit and complete a license application together without any application costs.

How do I start a cannabis business in Massachusetts?

The first step in starting a cannabis business in Massachusetts is understanding the laws and regulations—not just in the state, but also in the local jurisdiction. Second, get to know the license types offered by the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). Choose what’s perfect for the cannabis activities your business will be engaging in, your business model, and your possible resources (location, capital, labor, etc.). CCC offers some financial assistance to special groups. You may also check if you qualify for the social equity programs. The next step is to check your eligibility so you can prepare for your license application. Comply with the requirements and be willing to undergo background checks. Once you get the CCC approval, you have secured your license and can therefore begin operations as a cannabis business in Massachusetts.

Federal Licensing

Retail (Provincial) Licensing

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