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Colorado Cannabis License Solutions
The Cannabis License Experts (or CLE) experienced team will explain all the Colorado cultivation license requirements to get your Colorado Marijuana License faster and with an unmatched success rate. Having to repeat your Colorado Marijuana License application process will set your business back by months and significantly impact your earnings potential. Let us show you how we’ll help you on your path to a Colorado Marijuana license and much more by booking your free consultation today.
15+
Years Expirence
1200+
Clients Served
100%
Success Rate
130,000+
Services Completed
Market Overview
With one of the most established, mature US cannabis markets, Colorado continues to be the gold standard for all other states when drafting and organizing legislative requirements, Colorado marijuana licensing processes, and operational standards. While this market is somewhat saturated in the major metropolitan area of Denver and resort mountain towns, there continues to be room for growth. With the passing of Colorado Amendment 64 in 2014, Colorado became the second state in the US to establish an adult-use marijuana market. In November 2012, Colorado legalized marijuana for adults over age 21 by passing Amendment 64 to the Colorado Constitution. The fully legal recreational market opened on January 1, 2014, the state's first year of implementation. In 2022, a handful of new laws and relaxations are set to expand the industry even more which include the reduction of daily sales limits of medical concentrates, development of educational resources, and a new process for outdoor cultivation to establish and obtain approval for contingency plans. As of January 2021, the state is issuing Colorado Cannabis Licenses for marijuana hospitality establishments, which include dispensary tasting rooms, cannabis cafes, and designated consumption areas in hotels as well as Delivery Services with third-party delivery services and licensees for recreational delivery.
The Marijuana Enforcement Division MED oversees licensing for the State of Colorado under the Department of Revenue.
Book a free consultation today to learn more about how Cannabis License Experts can assist you and your team on the path to your Colorado Cannabis License.
The Marijuana Enforcement Division MED oversees licensing for the State of Colorado under the Department of Revenue.
Book a free consultation today to learn more about how Cannabis License Experts can assist you and your team on the path to your Colorado Cannabis License.
Colorado Marijuana License Requirements, Timelines, and Selection Process
All Colorado cannabis license types, including consumption lounges, events licensing, and distribution. Vertical operations are available in some areas. Cannabis dispensaries in Colorado have a wide range of products they can sell, including flower, seeds, edibles, concentrates, tinctures and topicals, however, licensees cannot sell any product that contains nicotine or alcohol. Effective Nov. 11, 2021, the Department of Excise and Licenses no longer accepts paper applications for most Denver marijuana business licenses. All submissions must be sent via Denver's Online Permitting and Licensing Center. The State Licensing authority has 45-90 days to respond to an application after submission. Once the state licenses an entity, the licensee has one year to obtain approval and Colorado cannabis licensing from their local jurisdiction. While many cities create their own cannabis departments and/or licensing team to approve new operators, other jurisdictions utilize third parties to impartially and equitably rank each potential new cannabis business.
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Financial Requirements of a Colorado Marijuana License
Common for most jurisdictions as a mandatory component of the Colorado Cannabis License application is the requirement for a minimum amount of liquid cash on hand. This is to ensure that applicants have the financial wherewithal from the Colorado Cannabis Licensing process through to the initial 2-5 years of operation. General requirements for license applications include bank statements, CPA letters, Letter of Credit, or similar documentation. Additionally, a 2-3 year Pro Forma is also submitted as a component of the formal Business Plan. The fee for a Colorado Cannabis medical license is $2,500. The fee for a Colorado Cannabis recreational license is $6,500. The Colorado Cannabis License application fee for growers, processors, and dispensaries is $2,500. This cost is per facility and per Colorado Cannabis License type. Renewal occurs every year and is $2,500 each.
License Types
- Colorado Cannabis Cultivation License
- Colorado Cannabis Delivery License
- Colorado Cannabis Hospitality License
- Colorado Cannabis Operator License
- Colorado Cannabis Product Manufacturer License
- Colorado Cannabis Retail / Dispensary Licenses
- Colorado Cannabis Research and Development License
- Colorado Cannabis Testing License
- Colorado Cannabis Transporter License
| Total # of Colorado Cannabis Licenses | Over 3,000 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cultivation | 796 adult-use | 485 medical licenses |
| Retail | 420 adult-use | 652 medical licenses |
| Delivery | 46 adult-use | 18 medical licenses |
| Transporter | 12 medical | 32 recreational |
| Hospitality | 3 recreational | |
| Product Manufacturer | 299 adult-use | 226 medical licenses |
| Research & Development | 1 medical | |
| Testing Facilities | 10 medical | 10 recreational |
| Basic Demographic Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Resources include the US Census Bureau, City-Data.com, and any additional relevant resources. | ||
| Total # of Counties | 64 | |
| Total # of Cities | 271 active incorporated municipalities, of which 196 are towns, 73 are cities and 2 are consolidated city and county governments | |
| Population in 2019 | 727,211 | |
Denver
34
Median Age
$66K
Medial Income
$535K
Median Home Price
$1430/Month
Fair Market Rent
| A Colorado Recreational Marijuana Cultivation Facility has five Tiers of licensure | |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 | (1-1,800 plants) |
| Tier 2 | (1,801-3,600 plants) |
| Tier 3 | (3,601-6,000 plants) |
| Tier 4 | (6,001-10,200 plants) |
| Tier 5 | (10,201-13,800 plants) |
Colorado Springs
36
Median Age
$70K
Medical Income
$318K
Median Home Price
$1212M
Fair Market Rent
478,221
Country Population in 2019
Business Climate
Overall, the majority of the state has embraced the formal legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational use. With few notable exceptions, licensing of all cannabis operations continues to be moving at a reasonable pace.
Colorado is extremely business-friendly and a hub for growing businesses and startups. According to the U.S. Census Bureau estimates, Colorado's population has grown by almost 239,000 people from 2014 to 2018 with a workforce that's recognized as one of the most educated in the country. The state is fully embracing remote work with Fort Collins as a top city for remote work. Furthermore, Over the past 10 years, Colorado's startup ecosystem has matured and, with it, VC investment, and secondary locations for Fortune 500 technology companies have followed. Colorado is the eighth-largest state in terms of landmass with its natural resources resulting in an economic boon as well as a draw for tourism.
Colorado is extremely business-friendly and a hub for growing businesses and startups. According to the U.S. Census Bureau estimates, Colorado's population has grown by almost 239,000 people from 2014 to 2018 with a workforce that's recognized as one of the most educated in the country. The state is fully embracing remote work with Fort Collins as a top city for remote work. Furthermore, Over the past 10 years, Colorado's startup ecosystem has matured and, with it, VC investment, and secondary locations for Fortune 500 technology companies have followed. Colorado is the eighth-largest state in terms of landmass with its natural resources resulting in an economic boon as well as a draw for tourism.
Real Estate & Zoning
Consideration for regional and local zoning with regard to allowed proximity to certain business types, schools, and other prohibited areas. All retail Colorado Cannabis/Marijuana locations must meet certain requirements regarding security and location. Generally speaking, no dispensary can exist within 1,000 feet of a school (but there are allowances for local governments to shrink that distance or allow exemptions for long-time dispensaries). Every dispensary must also adhere to strict security and surveillance requirements. All stores must have a security alarm system and locks on all entry points and windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What agency is in charge of cannabis facility licensing in Colorado?
The licensing for all cannabis facility license types is regulated and overseen by the Colorado State Licensing Authority. After licensure, the enforcement and compliance of the regulated cannabis market is regulated by the Marijuana Enforcement Division.
What is the cost to apply for a dispensary license in Colorado?
The license application process requires a fee to both the state and the local municipality. The state fee is $4,500 and the local fee is $2,500. Additionally the annual renewal fee is $1,800. This does not include any other cost that goes into the build out of a facility.
How much does it cost to start a cannabis cultivation in Colorado?
The cost of applying and obtaining final licensure for a cultivation in Colorado ranges from $1,500 – $6,500 depending on the cultivation type and size. The cost to fully build out a cultivation is much higher and depends on the size and type of cultivation and can total between $1 million and $20 million. To get a better understanding of the cultivation types or cost associated with them please reach out to our team.
Does Colorado allow for cannabis delivery?
Yes, Colorado awarded its first cannabis delivery license in February of 2021. This was in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and patients’ lack of ability to obtain cannabis during that time.
Can local municipalities ban cannabis in their jurisdiction?
Yes, local municipalities can ban cannabis facilities from operating in their jurisdiction. While the larger cities in Colorado allow cannabis, most cities and towns do not allow cannabis facilities within their municipalities.
One-Stop Business Solutions Provider
When you partner with CLE, you are able to leverage our proven knowledge and best industry resources to provide you a complete Cannabis Business Solution.
- LICENSING
- REAL ESTATE SEARCH
- DESIGN & BUILD
- SECURITY
- DIGITAL MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT
- EQUIPMENT TENDERING
- INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION
- Banking & Insurance
- Merger & Acquisitions
- Private Label Manufacturing
- Micro-Grow Franchising
- Human Resources
Don't Know Where To Begin? Get Started Now
Applying for a Colorado Marijuana license in Colorado and unsure where to start?
Applications for a Colorado cannabis license in Colorado are accepted on a rolling basis at the state level and new jurisdictions are consistently developing ordinance’s designing the framework for cannabis licensing at the local level. Cannabis License Experts can help guide you through the Colorado Cannabis licensing process in Colorado from start to finish both at the state and local level. Not sure where to start? CLE can develop a preliminary business and feasibility plan to help give an understanding of business viability within the local climate.
In order to get started, reach out to one of our regulatory experts today to learn more about Cannabis Business Solutions.
