Do you want to learn how to obtain a dispensary license in Oklahoma? When compared to other states, Oklahoma has some of the lowest startup costs. It is home to one of the country’s fastest-growing markets. Furthermore, it is one of the simplest places to obtain a medical dispensary license. Our blog post provides you with the necessary information to launch your own business in this thriving market.
Oklahoma Cannabis Regulations
In 2018, Oklahoma legalized medical cannabis use. The program is overseen by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA). The program allows doctors to recommend the drug to a patient at their discretion. This means that no special qualifications are required. Patients can either buy marijuana from a dispensary or grow it at home. All license applicants must submit an application form to the OMMA.
Oklahoma Cannabis Industry
Oklahoma’s medical cannabis sales tripled in 2019 to $350 million. In that year, the state’s economy grew by 221 percent. During the same year, the state provided 9,412 full-time marijuana jobs. During 2019, sales averaged nearly $40 million per month. Their patient base is so large that one out of every 13 Oklahomans has a medical card. This is the country’s highest per capita registration rate. The state has the most medical dispensaries per capita in the country.
How to Establish a Dispensary
First, you must develop a business plan. You should become acquainted with the laws of Oklahoma. Knowing the laws will assist you in selecting the best location for your dispensary.
Every dispensary must be at least 1,000 feet away from a public or private school. Home schools, daycare centers, and childcare facilities are not considered schools.
Requirements for a Business License
License holders in Oklahoma must meet a few requirements. All applicants must be at least 25 years old. Applicants must have lived in the state for the previous two years. The last two years must have occurred prior to the date of application. You must provide proof of five years of continuous residency. The five years must have occurred within the last 25 years. At least 75% of the owners must be Oklahoma residents. Over time, the state’s residency requirements have become more stringent.
To conduct business in the state, applicants must register. Before you apply, you must first obtain a tax permit. You must provide evidence of good standing from the Secretary of State. Applicants must provide a Certificate of Compliance. This certificate is available from the city or county. A criminal history background check is required of all owners and officers.
Certain people are barred from applying for a license by the department. Members of law enforcement, such as sheriffs, are not eligible to apply. Employees of the OMMA are not eligible to apply. Employees of the city or county where the shop is located are not eligible to apply. Applicants with a felony conviction within the last five years are not eligible to apply.
If you are incarcerated, you may not be eligible for a license. Applicants with nonviolent charges in the previous two years are barred under the law.
Fees for Dispensary Applications
The non-refundable application fee for a dispensary in Oklahoma is $2,500. Every year, license holders must renew their license for the same fee. Credit and debit cards are accepted as online payment methods. There may be a credit card processing fee. Depending on where they are, marijuana shops may need to obtain a local permit. The cost of these local permits can vary.
A food retail license is required if you intend to sell or manufacture edibles. An application for a food permit can cost up to $425. A plan review will cost you an additional $425.
Food licenses must be renewed every year for a fee of $335. Food license applications can be found at food.health.ok.gov. Consider the operating costs of a marijuana shop as well. You must apply to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. Because the drug is a controlled substance under federal law, registration is required. Registration fees can range between $300 and $500.
Application for Dispensary
You can begin your license application on the website of the Department of Health. There, you can apply for one of several types of marijuana business licenses. You can apply for a dispensary license or one of three other types. A grower license, a processor license, and a transporter license are the other three types.
To begin, you must create a new user account in the system. You will receive an email asking you to confirm your email address. Return to the system and select the commercial license option. You can create a new application there. The application starts with general information about the marijuana shop.
You must provide information on all owners, members, and board members. Upload all of your required documents to ensure a quick approval. Include a map of your proposed location to demonstrate that you are in compliance with the state. All owners and members must provide proof of residency. There is a review tab available to assist you in completing your information. You can submit your application if everything is in order.
The department has 90 days to approve or reject applications.
