How to Open a Dispensary in Connecticut
Connecticut's cannabis market is poised for growth with recent adult-use legalization, a rising number of registered medical cannabis patients, and high population density. To open a cannabis dispensary or cannabis business in Connecticut, applicants must navigate the licensing process overseen by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP), which includes various license types and fees.
Connecticut Cannabis Market Outlook
According to the 2022 US Census estimate, Connecticut has a population of 3,626,205. Though this ranks 29th in terms of US States by total population, Connecticut ranks fourth in terms of population density. As of May 31st, 2023, there are 44,508 registered medical cannabis patients in the state.
How to Open a Connecticut Cannabis Dispensary
The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is the state regulatory agency responsible for issuing cannabis business licenses required to open a Connecticut cannabis dispensary. There are currently 4 medical cannabis dispensaries and 37 active recreational dispensaries as of June 1st, 2023 according to the State of Connecticut’s license search website. The Connecticut DCP awards cannabis business licenses to applicants via a lottery system. There are no lotteries scheduled at this time, so make sure to stay up to date by following Global Go on social media and subscribing to our newsletter updates.
Connecticut Cannabis License Types
The DCP will issue the following license types:
1) retailers,
2) hybrid retailers
3) food and beverage manufacturers
4) product manufacturers
5) product packagers
6) delivery services or transporter
7) cultivators
8) micro-cultivators
Connecticut Cannabis License Fees
Under the bill, the following initial or renewal fees must be paid by each applicant:
A retailer or hybrid retailer fee or product packager fee to enter the lottery is $500, the provisional license fee is $5,000, and the license fee is $25,000;
A cultivator fee to enter the lottery is $1,000, the provisional license fee is $25,000, and the final license fee is $75,000;
A micro-cultivator fee to enter the lottery is $250, the provisional license fee is $500, and the final license fee is $1,000;
A product manufacturer fee to enter the lottery is $750, the provisional license fee is $5,000, and the final license fee is $25,000; and
A food and beverage manufacturer fee or delivery or transporter service fee to enter the lottery is $250, the provisional license fee is $1,000, and the final license fee is $5,000
Connecticut Cannabis Retailer License Requirements
Along with the application and licensing fees, the following information and evidence must be submitted with the application, but not limited to:
A contract with an approved electronic tracking system
A right to occupy the location where the dispensary is located
Any necessary local zoning approval
A council-approved social equity plan and workforce development plan
Written policies for preventing diversion and misuse of cannabis and sales to underage people;
A labor peace agreement entered into between the cannabis establishment and a bona fide labor organization; and
A certification by the applicant that a project labor agreement will be entered into before construction of any facility the establishment uses for operations
EXPLORE: Interactive Cannabis Legalization Map of the United States
How to Prepare for the Connecticut Cannabis License Lottery
Though the next round of cannabis licensing in Connecticut is unknown, putting together a winning application with all of the necessary requirements may take up to a year. Global Go cannabis consultants have helped their clients win over 200 licenses across the United States. To get started opening a Connecticut cannabis dispensary, fill out the form below to speak with a Connecticut cannabis consultant today