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Mississippi Cannabis Licensing Overview
The Mississippi Department of revenue began accepting cannabis business and service license applications in 2022. There is no set date for when this application window will close, and there is no set limit to the number of licenses that can be issued.
The Department currently has a 30-day approval period for cannabis business applications.
Vertical integration is allowed. This means that one business can hold multiple licenses. However, an individual cannot hold more than 10% equity in more than five dispensary licenses at once, or more than a single cultivation license, or processing license.
Medical Cannabis Business Fees
Applicants must pay an application fee and an annual renewal fee. Medical dispensaries also have a $25,000 license fee required at the time of application via credit card or ACH debit through the designated Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program vendor for the application to be processed. These fees must be paid before a operations begin.
Medical Cannabis Dispensaries
Application Fee: $15,000
Annual Renewal Fee: $25,000
If an application is denied due to the main entrance being within 1,500 feet of a licensed dispensary, both fees will be refunded. However, if denied for any other reason, only the $25,000 license fee is refundable; the $15,000 application fee is non-refundable.
Medical Cannabis Dispensaries in Mississippi can sell products to medical cardholders and designated primary caregiver cardholders. Dispensaries can only sell concentrated cannabis, edible cannabis, and other infused products that are below 60% potency, and cannabis flow that is below 30% potency. All cannabis and cannabis products sold at a medical Mississippi dispensary must come from licensed processors or cultivators.
Cannabis Cultivation License
To grow medical cannabis in Mississippi, an individual must submit a Mississippi cultivation license application. Medical cannabis cultivation license holders can acquire and possess cannabis and produce cannabis. They are permitted to grow, cultivate, harvest, dry, cure, and trim cannabis plants. They can also store cannabis, produce and store pre-rolls, and package and label cannabis and pre-rolls. Cultivators can sell cannabis to other licensed establishments and medical cannabis dispensaries. The cultivation license is broken into tiers, and there is also a micro-cultivation license.
Cannabis Processing License
Anyone that wants to manufacture cannabis products needs a cannabis processing license in Mississippi. The cannabis processing license and micro-processing license facilities can acquire cannabis from cultivators and micro-cultivators to manufacture cannabis products from raw cannabis or cannabis extract. Processors and micro-processors can store, package and label cannabis, and cannabis products. Processors and micro-processors can manufacture products including infused beverages, kief, concentrates, edibles, topicals, and much more. The micro-processor license is broken into two tiers which determines the scale of the operation.
Cannabis Testing Facility License
Application Fee: $10,000
Annual Renewal Fee: $15,000
Medical cannabis testing facilities test cannabis and cannabis product samples to ensure they meet quality, safety, potency, and regulatory standards before being sold at medical dispensaries. Testing facilities may also transport and temporarily store cannabis samples.
Cannabis Research License
Application Fee: $10,000
Annual Renewal Fee: $15,000
Cannabis research licensed businesses acquire cannabis and cannabis products from cultivators and processors to conduct research and develop best practices for different medical conditions. Researchers also develop medicines and improve cannabis products for medical use.
Cannabis Transportation License
Application Fee: $5,000
Annual Renewal Fee: $7,500
A cannabis transportation license is required by a business that wants to engage in the transportation and storage of medical cannabis products to other licensed facilities and businesses. With this license, a business can operate as a business that solely transports and stores medical cannabis products on the behalf of other licensed businesses. Or, a pre-existing licensed cannabis business can obtain their own transportation license, which allows them to transport and store cannabis on their own.
Cannabis Disposal License
Application Fee: $5,000
Annual Renewal Fee: $7,500
The cannabis disposal license allows a business to dispose of, or destroy medical cannabis, cannabis products, and cannabis waste. This license allows you to have a site where cannabis is properly destroyed and disposed of. Disposal businesses need to keep detailed records of all cannabis that is destroyed and thrown away using Mississippi’s seed to sale system.
Medical Cannabis Business License General Application Requirements
Applications need to feature all names and required information for anyone on the application. This includes all forms and any information that is required for the completion of application forms. This includes details like the legal name of your business, Tax Permit Number, and more.
Applicants must also submit a detailed map or sketch of the proposed premises for licensing, including clearly defined boundaries, a scaled floor plan of all enclosed areas, and precise measurements of walls, the main entrance, and more.
If the application involves a building still under construction, the application must feature construction plans that include accurate measurements to help the Department precisely locate the main entrance in relation to the rest of the building.
Provide an operating plan that outlines how the business and premises will adhere to the applicable laws and regulations. The operating plan requirements will vary depending on the type of license being applied for. These are the general operating plan requirements for Mississippi medical marijuana business licenses.
- Security measures
- Employee qualifications, background checks, and training
- Record-keeping systems
- Operating hours
- For dispensaries, prevention of entry by non-cardholders under the age of 21
- Measures to prevent non-cardholders from accessing or attempting to access dispensary items
- Preventing diversion of cannabis/cannabis products
- For cultivators and processors, types and quantities of cannabis
- Inventory tracking and control
- Labeling and packaging procedures
- Transportation
- Waste disposal
- Recall of cannabis and cannabis products
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be at least 21 years old.
- Owners, board members, officers, and anyone with an economic interest must be at least 21 years old.
- Cannot be serving as, or be the spouse of, a Mississippi Senate or House member through December 31, 2022.
- Must not have had a cannabis-related license revoked.
- Must have no outstanding tax liabilities to Mississippi.
- Must not have been convicted of a disqualifying felony under the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act.
- Residency in Mississippi is only required for micro licenses.
Additional Eligibility Criteria
- You do not need to be a Mississippi resident to submit a dispensary license application.
- Cultivation and Processing Licenses applicants must have Mississippi ties for the first 6 months and at least 35% of the business must be owned by individuals who lived in Mississippi for 3 consecutive years prior to applying.
- Micro-Cultivation and Micro-Processing Licenses: Owners must be Mississippi residents and U.S. citizens for the prior 3 years.
Location & Distance Requirements
Applicants must obtain local registration, licenses, or permits required by the county where they are applying. Additionally, applicants need to provide proof that they are occupying the property where the dispensary is proposed to open (Applicants for standard cultivation and processing licenses no longer need to prove occupancy over a location during the application process). This can be either a deed showing ownership, a lease agreement, or a written agreement between the applicant and current property owner stating that the current owner will sell or lease the property to the applicant after they receive their license.
Applicants must provide evidence that the main entrance of the proposed location is not within 1,000 feet of the property boundary line of any school, church, or childcare facility. If it is within 1,000 feet, a Distance Waiver form is required. Additionally, no medical cannabis dispensary can be within 1,500 feet from the main entrance of one dispensary to the main entrance of another.
Regular Licenses & Provisional Licenses
Regular licenses are awarded to applicants that have a valid location. After a regular license is awarded, the licensee can operate so long as they are not cultivating, producing, or dispensing cannabis or cannabis products until after passing an initial inspection and receiving written notice from the Department.
Provisional licenses can be awarded when there is a temporary compliance-related issue that can be solved. The department needs to be confident that the issue will be resolved and that the applicant is making all the necessary efforts and preparations to qualify for a regular license.
License Issuance
The Department began accepting Mississippi medical marijuana business applications on a rolling basis in 2022. There is also no current limit to the number of licenses that can be awarded in Mississippi. The license approval period is 30 days from the date of application submission.
If you’re thinking of applying, keep in mind that local jurisdiction can impact whether your license will be approved. Verify your local government’s stance on medical cannabis businesses before applying to be sure you can open and operate in your desired area.
Why Choose CannDelta?
By choosing CannDelta you’re establishing a partnership with a team of cannabis consultants that are deeply committed to your success in the Mississippi medical marijuana industry. Our extensive experience across North America equips us with a distinctive perspective on the changing dynamics of the cannabis industry. Our team of cannabis consultants are experts in Mississippi’s established regulatory space, and hold all the tools you’ll need to launch a successful cannabis business. Here’s how we can help:
Cannabis License Applications:
Enter the cannabis market with confidence. Our team provides comprehensive support in preparing, submitting, and monitoring your license application to ensure compliance and competitiveness.
Business Plan Development:
Build a solid foundation for your cannabis venture. We create business plans that meet regulatory requirements and foster long-term growth.
Security Plan:
Our specialists develop thorough security plans that protect your assets, comply with state regulations, and offer peace of mind.
Site Audits and Inspections:
Stay proactive with our detailed site audits. We identify potential issues and offer practical solutions to maintain compliance and efficiency.
Standard Operating Procedures:
Enhance daily operations with a tailored operating plan to boost efficiency. We develop clear, compliant SOPs that facilitate smooth business operations.
Marketing Plan:
Make your brand stand out! We help build your brand and create outreach strategies to establish your presence in Mississippi’s cannabis market.
Employee Staffing and Training Plan:
Our recruitment strategies and customized training programs ensure your team is prepared to excel 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 Mississippi?
Individuals who live or do ot live in Mississippi can apply for a medical dispensary license application. This application must be compliant with Mississippi dispensary regulations and feature all of the required information including, operating plans outlining security, employee information, and much more. This application also requires details about applicants backgrounds and applicable application and licensing fees totaling $40,000 in the first year of licensure.
How do I Get a Cannabis Dispensary License in Mississippi?
You can get a cannabis dispensary license in Mississippi by submitting a medical cannabis dispensary license application that comply with Mississippi dispensary regulations. You will also need to submit an application fee of $15,000 and a first year licensing fee of $25,000. If your application is accepted and you are granted a license, you will also need to pay an annual renewal fee of $25,000. Getting a dispensary license in Mississippi will require that you meet the eligibility criteria and submit a completed application. The application process can be extensive and many people choose to work with a lawyer or dispensary consulting firms in Mississippi.
How Much is a Cultivation License in Mississippi?
The Mississippi cultivation license application costs depend on the tier of license being applied for. The annual renewal fee is also determined by the license tier. Application fees range from $1,500 to 60,000 and renewal fees range from $2,000 to $150,000.
Is Cannabis Legal in Mississippi?
Yes! Cannabis is legal in Mississippi for medical use only. Recreational cannabis sale and use is not legal.
How do I Start a Cannabis Business in Mississippi?
You can start a cannabis business by acquiring the necessary capital or business partners and investors, meeting eligibility requirements, finding a compliant location, and submitting an application for the type of business you want to start. You can start numerous different cannabis businesses in Mississippi by getting a cannabis license. For example, with a cannabis processing license in Mississippi, you can start a business that manufactures cannabis products, or you can get a different license if you want to start a different kind of cannabis business. Often, individuals will turn to dispensary consulting firms in Mississippi or lawyers to assist with their application.
