How do I get a city marijuana business license?
The process of obtaining a Colorado marijuana business license varies by city, but may involve the following steps:
- Register with the city or municipality
- An intake meeting with local licensing staff
- A background check*
- Zoning approval
- A city inspection
- Obtain a state Marijuana Enforcement Division license
- Obtain a city license marijuana license
Your business is prohibited from having marijuana products on-site or from growing plants until you have obtained both a city and state license.
*Note: For confidentiality reasons, the state's background check approval cannot be used for city review and approval. Also, the city may have stricter standards for background check reviews than the state MED does.
How do I get a Colorado MED-regulated marijuana business license?
To obtain a Colorado state-level marijuana license your business must complete a MED Regulated Marijuana Business License Application, Finding of Suitability application, personal background check, and pay state and local fees.
Some of the requirements for the initial application may include the following:
- A copy of the local license application for a regulated marijuana business
- Certificate of Good Standing from the jurisdiction in which your business entity was formed (must be one of the states of the United States, territories of the United States, District of Columbia, or another country that authorizes the sale of marijuana)
- Registered agent: If the applicant is an entity, the identity and physical address of its registered agent in the state of Colorado
- Organizational and corporate governance documents
- Organizational chart (including the identity and ownership percentage of all chief business officers)
- Fingerprints
- Facility diagrams
- Financial statements
- Tax documents
What are the types of retail and medical marijuana licenses in Colorado?
The following retail and medical marijuana license types are listed on the MED Regulated Marijuana Business License application.
- Retail Marijuana Store
- Retail Marijuana Cultivation Facility
- Retail Marijuana Testing Facility
- Retail Marijuana Business Operator
- Retail Marijuana Transporter
- Retail Marijuana Transporter No Premises
- Retail Marijuana Products Manufacturer
- Medical Marijuana Store
- Medical Marijuana Products Manufacturer
- Medical Marijuana Testing Facility
- Medical Marijuana Business Operator
- Medical Marijuana Transporter
- Medical Marijuana Transporter No Premises
- Medical Marijuana Research & Development Facility
- Medical Marijuana Cultivation Facility
How much does a Colorado marijuana license cost?
Colorado marijuana license and application fees vary based on the type of operation and whether it is an initial application or renewal:
- Retail marijuana store (initial application): $5,000 (application), $2,440 (license)
- Retail marijuana store (renewal): $300 (application), $1,830 (license)
- Retail marijuana cultivation facility (Tier 1, initial application): $5,000 (application), $1,830 (license)
- Medical marijuana cultivation facility (Class 1, initial application): $1,000 (application) $1,830 (license)
(Above fees are effective as of January 1, 2022.)
Renewal requirements for all licensees
Regulated marijuana business and owner licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance. Medical marijuana transporters, retail marijuana transporters, and employee licenses are valid for two years from the date of issuance.
You must apply for the renewal of an existing license prior to the license’s expiration date.