A week after recreational adult cannabis use became legal in Illinois, the state’s Department of Agriculture (“DOA”) released the much-anticipated craft grower, transporter, and infuser license applications for cannabis businesses.

The DOA’s website contains information for those wanting to apply for these licenses, including forms and an FAQ page for each license. The DOA will begin accepting applications on February 14, 2020, and all applications are due by March 16, 2020. The DOA will award licenses on or before July 1, 2020.

We’ve unpacked the craft grow application process in a previous blog post. As a recap, The state will issue 40 craft grower licenses this year, with an additional 60 licenses by December 2021. The availability of these licenses grants smaller-scale cannabis businesses an opportunity to enter the recreational cannabis market without having to compete against large public companies for a limited number of licenses.

Like the dispensary application process, craft grow applications will be ranked using a point-based system. Those who qualify as social equity applicants will be awarded 200 points, out of a total of 1,000. The state will also look at the applicant’s security and recordkeeping plan (145 points), business plan (110 points), and cultivation plan (75 points), among others.

Application fees for the craft grow license is $5,000 ($2,500 for social equity applicants), and, if selected, license holders have an annual fee of $40,000.

The DOA also released transporter and infuser license applications. Both are similar to the craft grow process, and all are due by March 16, 2020. The annual license fee for a transporter is $10,000; the annual fee for an infuser is $5,000.

G & G Law has experience analyzing the law and can help you determine if you qualify for social equity status. With a full fifth of points reserved for social equity applicants, accurately determining your standing is crucial to a successful application. We can also help you prepare some of the other exhibits and aspects of your application. Contact us to find out how.

 

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