Connecticut Accepts Applications for Cannabis Businesses |

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) said it would begin accepting applications for some adult cannabis license types in 30 days after the department’s Social Justice Council finally approves technical assistance plans.

“This work by the Social Equity Council is a critical step in the regulatory process for the emerging adult cannabis market in Connecticut and will help meet the equity goals set out in law,” said DCP Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull in a press release from the agency.

Connecticut lawmakers legalized the use and possession of cannabis by adults last summer. This makes the state the fourth of five states to legalize recreational cannabis in 2021. Connecticut regulators are currently drafting rules for the cannabis industry for adult recreational cannabis sales later this year.

The DCP also announced the number of licenses for each adult cannabis business type that will be available in the first round of lottery games later this year. A total of 12 retailer licenses, 10 delivery licenses, and four hybrid dealer licenses will be awarded, with licenses for each type equally divided among applicants for general and social justice.

The division will also be issuing a limited number of licenses to other recreational cannabis companies, including micro-cultivators, transporters, manufacturers, and product packers in the first lottery, with all license types evenly divided between social justice and general applicants.

“The initial number of licenses available is not an upper limit, but a starting point for an effective, measured and thoughtful opening of the cannabis market to adults,” said Seagull. “We know people are eager to apply and see this market open, and we hope that providing this information will help applicants prepare for the lottery.”

Most licensed raffle via lottery

The application rounds for each of the eight license types that are selected in the DCP’s lottery procedure are staggered. The application period for the first round of the lotteries is still 90 days. The ministry also expects a second lottery application period to open for most license types in the second half of 2022.

Applications for growers who are on a previously identified list of areas disproportionately affected by the war on drugs and not subject to a raffle will be accepted starting February 3rd. The DCP will also be accepting applications for cannabis retailers starting February 3rd. with applications for other license types, which will be opened continuously until March 24, 2022.

The department will host two lotteries for each license type, a social justice lottery and a separate lottery for general applicants. Applicants selected in the social justice lottery will be screened by the Social Equity Council to confirm their status as social justice applicants. To qualify for social justice status, at least 65 percent of the company must be owned or controlled by individuals who meet the income and residency requirements.

“Examining and reviewing applications that have been randomly selected through the lottery process will be a major task for both the DCP and the Social Justice Council,” said Andréa Comer, DCP Deputy Commissioner and Chair of the Council for social justice. “Determining the number of licenses that will be available in the first round of applications is an important step in ensuring that both the Council and the DCP can examine each application fairly and thoroughly and issue licenses in a timely manner.”

The DCP also said it will be running multiple lotteries to continuously issue cannabis business licenses. The department plans to announce the number of licenses available before each application round. Rod Marriott, director of the DCP’s Drug Control Division, encouraged applicants to “carefully and thoroughly” complete their cannabis business license applications.

“Applications for most license types will be entered into a lottery,” observed Marriot. “There is no advantage for applicants who submit their lottery applications first. Applicants should give priority to the best possible application. “

Applicants for some types of businesses, including licensed medical cannabis manufacturers transitioning to adult use market and medical cannabis dispensaries transitioning to hybrid retailer license, are not subject to lottery procedures. Applicants applying for an equity joint venture or social equity partner cannabis establishment license with a licensed medical marijuana manufacturer or pharmacy, and those applying for the Social Equity Council’s Micro-Cultivator Assistance program apply are also awarded without a lottery.

Applications for cannabis business licenses will be available online through the DCP.