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Pennsylvania Cannabis License Solutions
The Cannabis License Experts (or CLE) experienced team will help you to get your Pennsylvania cannabis license faster and with an unmatched success rate. Having to repeat your Pennsylvania Medical 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 Pennsylvania Cannabis License and much more by booking your free PA Cannabis consultation today.
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Market Overview - PA cannabis
One of the most promising Northeast markets for recreational use, Pennsylvania is the fifth-largest state in the country with a population of nearly 13 million people. Legalizing marijuana for recreational use in the state, Pennsylvania’s cannabis industry reached over $900 million in 2021. This Atlantic coastal market is picking up steam coming into 2022 including more than $400 million worth of M&A deals commanding prices of $20 million-$35 million for each retail storefront.
Book a free consultation today to learn more about how Cannabis License Experts can assist you and your team on your path to a Pennsylvania medical marijuana License and much more in the PA cannabis market.
Book a free consultation today to learn more about how Cannabis License Experts can assist you and your team on your path to a Pennsylvania medical marijuana License and much more in the PA cannabis market.
Pennsylvania cannabis Licensing Requirements, Timelines, and Selection Processes
In December 2021, Pennsylvania regulators announced the second round of medical marijuana grower/processor licenses. Not more than 50 dispensary permits are to be awarded and no more than 5 permits to be awarded to any one person. Each permit holder will be allowed to open up to 3 dispensaries. State oversight of licensing by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Pennsylvania Department of Health.
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Some of the World’s Largest Brands have Trusted CLE to Support their Cannabis Journey.
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Pennsylvania cannabis License Types
Pennsylvania now has 117 PA cannabis dispensaries in operation, according to the most recent state data, with 14 opening since the first of the year 2022. All PA cannabis license types, including consumption lounges, events licensing, and distribution. Vertical operations available in some areas. Pittsburgh even welcomed its first drive-through medical cannabis dispensary in the summer of 2021.
Pennsylvania cannabis Licenses fall into 2 basic categories:
- PA cannabis Dispensarie
- PA cannabis Growers/Processors
| Total # of Licenses | NA |
|---|---|
| PA cannabis Dispensaries | 117 |
| PA cannabis Growers/Processors | 27 |
| Note: Total number of licenses not known at the time of this report | |
| Basic Demographic Information | |
| Resources include the US Census Bureau, City-Data.com, and any additional relevant resources. | |
| Total # of Counties | 67 |
| Total # of Cities/Towns | 57 |
| County population in 2019 | 1,584,064 |
City of Philadelphia
35
Median Age
$48K
Medial Income
$325K
Median Home Price
$1070/Month
Fair Market Rent
Business Climate
Overall, the majority of the state has embraced the formal legalization of PA cannabis for medical use. With few notable exceptions, licensing of all PA cannabis operations continues to be moving at a reasonable pace.
With Pennsylvania's strategic location in the heart of the East Coast, nationally ranked educational institutions, and a workforce equipped to support future growth. Currently ranked 36th in the United States for its economic outlook, its growing tech community and overall affordability has made The Keystone State an attractive place for top tech talent. Not only is Pennsylvania home to Philadelphia, a large city with a reasonable cost of living, but it's also located in the same geographical neighborhood as some of the biggest cities on the East Coast, like NYC, Boston and D.C.
With Pennsylvania's strategic location in the heart of the East Coast, nationally ranked educational institutions, and a workforce equipped to support future growth. Currently ranked 36th in the United States for its economic outlook, its growing tech community and overall affordability has made The Keystone State an attractive place for top tech talent. Not only is Pennsylvania home to Philadelphia, a large city with a reasonable cost of living, but it's also located in the same geographical neighborhood as some of the biggest cities on the East Coast, like NYC, Boston and D.C.
Pennsylvania cannabis - Financial Requirement
Common for most jurisdictions as a mandatory component of the PA cannabis 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 PA cannabis licensing process through to the initial 2-5 years of operation. Proof of funds of $2 Million, $500,000 of which must be deposited in the PA cannabis applicant’s bank account. Initial nonrefundable PA cannabis application fee of up to $10,000 plus a fee of up to $200,000 must be submitted with your PA cannabis application and will be returned if the permit is not granted. Annual renewal fees vary, depending on license type.
Real Estate & Zoning
Consideration for regional and local zoning with regard to allowed proximity to certain business types, schools, and other prohibited areas.
City of Pittsburgh
33
Median Age
$54K
Medical Income
$149K
Median Home Price
$1014M
Fair Market Rent
300,286
Country Population in 2019
Frequently Asked Questions
What agency regulates medical cannabis in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Department of Health regulates cannabis through its Office of Medical Marijuana, Cultivation is overseen by the Department of Agriculture.
What are the requirements to obtain a grower/processor license in Pennsylvania?
The requirements for a grower/processor license include but are not limited to the following:
Completed permit application including
- Ability to maintain effective security and control to prevent theft, diversion, abuse, or other illegal conduct.
- Evidence of local zoning requirements compliance
- Diversity plan
- $10,000 non-refundable fee
- $200,000 refundable permit fee
- Proof of $2 million in capital
How many grower/processor licenses are being issued in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Department of Health can authorize up to 25 growers/processors in the state currently. This number could change with an expansion to the program.
Does Pennsylvania allow edibles?
Currently Pennsylvania medical cannabis patients cannot purchase edibles from a licensed dispensary. A bill to allow edibles is currently in circulation and this could change by the end of 2022.
What forms of medical marijuana are approved in Pennsylvania?
Act 16 which legalized medical cannabis allows for registered patients to purchase medical cannabis in the following forms:
- Pill
- Topicals – gel, creams, ointments
- Forms for vaporizing other than dry leaf
- Tincture
- Liquid
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 Pennsylvania cannabis License and unsure where to start in the PA cannabis market?
Currently the Pennsylvania cannabis application period for PA cannabis licensing in Pennsylvania is closed. New PA cannabis licensing opportunities will come either through the expansion of the existing medical program or the legalization of adult-use PA cannabis within the state. Now is the time to get ahead of the process by defining your business. CLE can develop a preliminary business and feasibility plan to help give an understanding of your PA cannabis business viability within the Pennsylvania cannabis market and give a head start in this process.
In order to get started, reach out to one of our regulatory experts today to learn more about Cannabis Business Solutions.
