Important Dates For Marijuana Licensing In 2025
- After July 1, 2025, retailers must not sell consumers cannabis products containing artificially derived CBN without GRAS or NDIN requirements. In conjunction, wholesalers must no longer distribute these products too.
- Applications for cannabis licenses in the supply chain system (cultivation, manufacturing, and retail) are not being accepted at this time.
- License applications and renewals now request a signed labor peace agreement (LPA), as shown on Ballot Measure 119, which went into effect on December 5, 2024.
- Applications for updates and amendments received after December 7, 2024, are still being processed.
- For those waiting for updates, you may use OLCC’s Application Status Request form.
Oregon Cannabis License Overview
Oregon legalized medical marijuana in 1998 (through Measure 57) and recreational marijuana in 2014 (through Measure 91). Patients gained access to cannabis for alternative treatments. And adults in general are now legal to possess and consume marijuana products.
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) has been establishing the regulatory framework for the state’s legal recreational cannabis market. The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) handles the issuance of medical licenses in the state.
Recreational sales through licensed dispensaries launched in October 2015. In the past few years, Oregon’s cannabis industry witnessed rapid growth, with a history of hitting one of the highest per capita cannabis harvests in the US.
How To Apply For Cannabis License In Oregon
To apply for a cannabis license in Oregon:
- Owners must be 21 years or older.
- The business must be in a city or county that isn’t on the OLCC Opt-Out list (applies to processors, wholesalers, retailers, and marijuana grow licenses).
- Choose the appropriate license type and prepare the necessary requirements.
- Secure a location compliant with local zoning laws.
- Develop a business plan and financial documents.
- Complete the OLCC application form and submit required documents.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee.
- Undergo OLCC’s application review and background check.
- If preliminarily approved, prepare for an on-site inspection.
- Once fully approved, OLCC issues the license.
Requirements
Required documents for marijuana business license application:
- Company name, physical and mailing address, Secretary of State Number
- Funding sources and interested parties/legal entities
- Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS)
- Business operating plan
- Floor plan of the proposed facility
- Proof of right to occupy premises
- Additional documents based on license type
Zoning Restrictions
Different jurisdictions have different zoning rules. The OLCC asks for the LUCS before processing an application. Applicants must work with their local governments to ensure all information is correct before submission. For guidance, no OLCC marijuana facility may:
- Be on federal property.
- Share a location with a liquor license or retail liquor agent.
- Share a location with a medical marijuana processing site or dispensary.
- Be in a residential zone (except for producers).
- (If producers) be at the same location as a registered medical marijuana grow site
- (If retailers) be within 1,000 feet of a K-12 school
Local Codes, Building Permits, and Security Plans
Applicants must get necessary permits for new construction or remodeling and installation of necessary security equipment. A licensed contractor must inspect the building. The OLCC and the Department of Consumer and Business Services highly advise applicants to work with contractors licensed by the Oregon Building Codes Division.
How To Apply For A Marijuana Workers Permit
Licensed businesses must ensure all of their employees secure a worker permit. Permits are valid for five years and allow permittees to work in any licensed marijuana business in Oregon. Lab employees and research certificate employees do not need worker permits.
- Pass OLCC’s Test with a minimum 70% score to receive a Certificate of Completion.
- Create a new Worker Permit account with a different username from your license application.
- Fill out the form, and upload a photo of your valid ID and Certificate of Completion.
- After the background check is complete, pay the permit fee via credit card.
- Download and print the Worker Permit.
Selection Process
Applicants for license types need to gain local land use approval, as this is the first requirement for OLCC reviews. If the LUCS form shows approval, the application can proceed. Otherwise, the license will not be issued.
As Oregon has not yet implement any social equity programs, businesses must check with their cities and municipalities if they have special programs that provide funding, grants, fee reductions, and other special resources to eligible applicants.
License applications may take up to two months or more. After the application, OLCC will send a Request for Assignment. The applicant then has 60 days to complete the licensing process. If not, they can have it rescheduled.
And for those hoping to get multiple dispensary licenses, the State allows business entities to establish more than one.
Types of Cannabis Licenses in Oregon
- Producer
- Processor
- Wholesaler
- Retailer
- Laboratory
Producer Licenses
- Purpose: A Producer License or marijuana grow license can cultivate, harvest, and pack cannabis products. Typically, any cannabis activity that is in the early stages of the cannabis supply chain. These licenses are divided according to the light source and canopy size.
- Micro Tier I–Indoor Producer License: up to 625 square feet
- Micro Tier II–Indoor Producer License: between 626 and 1250 square feet
- Tier I – Outdoor Producer License: 5,001 and 20,000 square feet
- Tier II – Outdoor Producer License: 20,001 and 40,000 square feet
- Mixed Production License: both indoor and outdoor, with up to a 4:1 split between the two
- Marijuana Producer Medically Designated Canopy License: for farmers who supply medical dispensaries and approved patients/caregivers
- Cost: $4,750 application fee; $3,500 to $5,750 licensing fee, determined by canopy size.
Processor Cannabis License
- Purpose: A Processor License allows the extraction, manufacturing, and packaging of cannabis products in various forms of consumption.
- Marijuana Processor Alternating Proprietors License: A processor may share the facility with other licensed edible, topical, or concentrate processors
- Marijuana Processor Processing For Cardholders’ License: A processor may receive marijuana from patients or caregivers and manufacture products for them.
- Marijuana Processor Medical Purpose License: A processor manufacturing and selling medical-grade cannabinoid products to licensed processors, wholesalers, and retailers.
- Cost: $250 application fee; $3,500 to $6,000 licensing fee
Wholesaler License
- Purpose: A Wholesaler License allows the purchase and sale of cannabis (hemp and marijuana) products with other licensed retailers, processors, producers, wholesalers, or research certificate holders.
- Cost: $250 application fee; $4,750 licensing fee
Retailer Licenses
- Purpose: A retailer license allows the establishment of a dispensary in Oregon, the direct sale of cannabis products, and the delivery of cannabis goods to consumers.
- Recreational Retailer License allows the sale of recreational cannabis to consumers 21+. They can also sell medical cannabis or offer home delivery.
- OMMP Dispensary License allows the sale of cannabis products to registered medical marijuana patients and caregivers.
- Cost: $4,750 application fee; $4,750 licensing fee
Testing Laboratory License
- Purpose: A testing license is for independent marijuana testing facilities that sample and test cannabis products to ensure public health and safety. Aside from an Oregon Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP) accreditation, laboratories must secure this OLCC license.
- Cost: $250 application fee; $4,750 licensing fee
- ORELAP Accreditation: $1,250 to $5,800 for in-state laboratories and $3,100 to $11,150 for out-of-state laboratories. Plus additional fees, depending on the fields.
NOTE: All Oregon cannabis license types may package and transport marijuana items—either their own or of a wholesaler—as long as they follow regulations set for their license type.
Research Certificate
- Purpose: A Research Certificate in Oregon allows an individual to conduct cannabis research that would contribute to the advancement of cannabis-related applications.
- Cost: $250 application; $1,000 to $2,000 licensing fee
Oregon Psilocybin Business License
Important Dates For Psilocybin Licensing In 2025
Beginning January 1st, 2025,
- all OPS licenses will renew annually.
- There are no residency requirements for licensees (due to the expiration of a provision in ORS 475A).
- Licensed service centers must collect client data and compile service center data.
All OPS licensees must complete the Required 303 Applicant and Licensee REAL & SOGI Data form by March 1, 2025.
Oregon Psilocybin Licensing Overview
In 2020, Oregon legalized psilocybin for therapeutic use by passing Measure 109. It became the first US state to do so. (Psilocybin is a psychedelic compound found in certain specific mushrooms. The Controlled Substances Act classifies it as a Schedule I substance.)
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) runs the Oregon Psilocybin Services (OPS) and ensures it complies with state laws and safety for public health. In 2022, Oregon released the first rules of the program, and in the following year, started issuing licenses for psilocybin facilitators and service centers. Through these controlled and legal treatment centers, Oregonians can get access to regulated psilocybin.
How To Apply for a Psilocybin OPS License
While OPS created a licensing process for businesses who want to take part in the legal psilocybin market of Oregon, some cities and counties might still require a separate license or permit to operate in their jurisdiction. Before proceeding, it’s best to check with the local offices first.
- Make an account in the OPS Training, Licensing, and Compliance (TLC) system.
- Apply, along with the requirements.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee.
- Wait for OPS to contact you for any outstanding requirements. You have 30 days to submit and complete your application.
- Prepare for a site visit. Manufacturers, service centers, and testing lab applicants must undergo a site visit before issuing a license.
- Once approved, pay the annual license fee.
Note: OPS reviews the applications in the order they receive them. The duration of the review process will depend on the number of new and pending applications.
General Psilocybin License Requirements:
- 21 years of age or older.
- Criminal background check.
- Additional For Facilitator License:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Proof of completion of a psilocybin training program
- Proof of Completing an OPS exam
- Additional For Service Center and Manufacturer License:
- Land Use Compatibly Statement (LUCS) form
- Scaled floor plan and
- If not the owner of the property, written permission from the property owner
- (For Edible or Extract endorsement) licensed under the Oregon Department of Agriculture Food Safety
- Social equity plan
- Site inspection
- Additional For Testing Lab License:
- ORELAP accreditation
- Premises plan
- Social equity plan
OPS Social Equity Plan
The OPS Social Equity Plan ensures that there is a fair chance for all psilocybin business license applicants, particularly for communities that systemic inequities have disproportionately harmed. It’s strategically aligned with OHA’s Equity Goals, and therefore also prioritizes the Healthier Together Oregon (HTO) population.
- Black, Indigenous, people of color, and American Indian/Alaska
- Native people (BIPOC-AI/AN)
- People with low-income
- People with disabilities
- People living in rural areas of the state
- People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+)
- Immigrants and refugees
- Veterans
How To Renew Psilocybin Licenses In Oregon
Psilocybin licensees must renew their licenses at least 60 days before the expiration of the license. The application form can be accessed through the TLC system (Oregon’s licensing platform.) OPS processes renewal applications in the order they receive them. If OPS cannot finish the review before the expiration, even after timely submission, the business entity may continue to operate.
- Complete and sign the renewal form in the TLC system.
- Submit requirements.
- Pay the annual license fee within 30 calendar days of receiving notice.
Psilocybin Business License Types
- Psilocybin Service Center License
- Psilocybin Facilitator License
- Psilocybin Manufacturer License
- Psilocybin Testing Lab License
Psilocybin Facilitators License
A licensed facilitator oversees the preparation, administration, and integration of psilocybin products. Professionals with existing licenses are welcome to apply but should seek guidance from respective licensing boards for compliance.
- Application Fee: $150
- Annual License Fee: $2,000 reduced to $1,000 for certain groups
Psilocybin Service Center License
Consumers may only consume psilocybin products in OPS-licensed service centers. These licensed treatment centers can be of any size and any kind of setup for administration areas, even outdoors. They must not be within 1,000 feet of a school. OPS developed the Psilocybin School Exclusion Map to help applicants identify a proposed location.
- Application Fee: $500
- Annual License Fee: $10,000 reduced to $5,000 for certain groups
Psilocybin Manufacturer License
Growers and manufacturers must secure a manufacturer’s license if they want to cultivate, process, and transfer psilocybe cubensis mushrooms to licensed service centers. Manufacture license holders can produce:
- Whole dried mushrooms
- Ground homogenized fungi
- ExtractsGround homogenized fungi
- Edible products
Manufacturer licensees may also apply for the following endorsement types:
- Fungi cultivation
- Psilocybin extraction
- Edible psilocybin production
Fees For Manufacturer License in Oregon:
- Application Fee: $500
- Annual License Fee: $10,000 reduced to $5,000 for certain groups
Psilocybin Laboratory Testing License
Only a laboratory with an OPS laboratory license can test psilocybin products produced by a licensed manufacturer. To secure a psilocybin testing lab license, they must first secure accreditation from the ORELAP.
- Application Fee: $500
- Annual License Fee: $10,000
Work With CannDelta
CannDelta has expert cannabis and psilocybin business consultants who specialize in licensing and development of the business while ensuring compliance across all operations. Startups and businesses of all sizes can get access to professional guidance, tools, and specialized services that can help them successfully launch their business. Here’s how we can help:
Oregon 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 cannabis consultant team creates detailed operational plans that comply with Kentucky’s medical marijuana regulations and protect your assets.
Zoning Support & Site Audits:
CannDelta provides zoning and location support. We will verify that your location is compliant and suitable for a cannabis business that will pass all site audits.
Site Audits and Inspections:
Be proactive with our detailed site audits. We identify issues and offer solutions to maintain compliance and operational efficiency. We’ll provide that enhance your operations, increase efficiency and compliance.
Marketing Package:
Make your brand shine! We help develop your brand and craft marketing strategies to establish your presence in Delaware’s emerging cannabis market.
Employee Staffing and Training Plan:
Through strategic hiring and tailored training programs, we prepare your team to thrive in the cannabis industry.
Fill out the form below to connect with our cannabis consultants today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I Apply for a Cannabis Business License in Oregon?
You must check first if you’re eligible to apply for a cannabis business license through the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC). It’s also vital to check if your city or county allows cannabis businesses in their jurisdiction. Once you’ve confirmed you meet the criteria, it’s time to secure a location, create a business plan, and ready the financial documents. Attach these documents to the OLCC website application form and pay the application fee. OLCC may ask for additional requirements, so watch out for updates. Once you’re fully approved, OLCC issues the license that will allow your business to legally operate in Oregon.
How much does a cannabis license cost in Oregon?
As of February 2025, here are the fees to pay to secure a cannabis license in Oregon:
- Application Fee (non-refundable): $250
- Annual fee:
- Producers: Micro Tier I $1,000, Micro Tier II $2,000, Tier I $3,750, Tier II $5,750
- Processors: $4,750
- Wholesalers: $4,750
- Micro Wholesalers: $1,000
- Retailers: $4,750
- Laboratories: $4,750
- Criminal background checks: $50 per individual listed on a license application
How Do I open a dispensary in Oregon?
- Request a Land Use Compatibility Statement (LUCS) from your local government.
- Complete the application form on OLCC’s online licensing system.
- Wait for further instructions from OLCC. Submit missing documents within 30 days after notice.
- Prepare your cannabis dispensary for site inspection.
- Wait for approval.
- If approved, pay for the license fee through the system.
- Print the license and display it prominently in the dispensary.
What are the current waiting times for new cannabis licenses in Oregon?
As of February 2025, Oregon does not accept applications for cannabis licenses for cultivation, manufacturing, and retail at this time. OLCC advises businesses to wait for further announcements for the next application period. For those waiting for updates on their applications submitted in 2024, use OLCC’s Application Status Request form.