NOTE: The moratorium on processing applications for new grower, processor and dispensary licenses begins Aug. 26, not Aug. 1 as stated in the initial version of the message below, which OMMA sent by email on May 27. Existing licensees are not affected by the moratorium and may still apply for renewal. For full details about the update on the moratorium start date, read our news release. Below is a now-corrected version of the message sent May 27.
Gov. Kevin Stitt signed House Bill 3208 into law Thursday, May 26. It places a moratorium on NEW grower, dispensary and processor license applications.
Here’s what you need to know right now:
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CURRENT GROWER, DISPENSARY AND PROCESSOR LICENSEES ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE MORATORIUM. Current licensees will be able to apply to renew their license beginning 60 days before the license expiration date using the online portal.
- The moratorium takes effect at 12:01 a.m. Aug. 26, 2022, and ends Aug. 1, 2024. OMMA’s executive director may end the moratorium earlier if the executive director determines that all pending license reviews, inspections or investigations are complete. Find more information on the rulemaking process on OMMA’s website.
Here’s what happens after 12:01 a.m. Aug. 26, 2022:
- After 12:01 a.m. Aug. 26, 2022, any licensee who allows a grower, dispensary or processor license to expire without submitting a renewal application cannot apply for a new one until the moratorium is over. Licensees who surrender a license after 12:01 a.m. Aug. 26, 2022, may not apply for a new one until the moratorium is over.
- Most applicants for new and renewed grower, dispensary and processor licenses may still resubmit a corrected license application once if the initial application is rejected after 12:01 a.m. Aug. 26, 2022. Some circumstances require a denial, and other circumstances allow an additional chance to resubmit an application.
- Applicants for a new or renewed grower, dispensary and processor license whose application is denied after 12:01 a.m. Aug. 26, 2022, may not apply for a new one until the moratorium is over.
Keep in mind that:
- It’s possible an influx of new grower, dispensary and processor license applications before the moratorium will temporarily slow down OMMA’s business license processing times. OMMA will still meet the statutory requirement to process business license applications within 90 days.
BOTTOM LINE: If you have, or have applied for, a license by 12:01 a.m. Aug. 26, you can still apply to renew it even during the moratorium.
OMMA will have more to come on this legislation and other new legislation that passed during the rece legislative session. Stay tuned.
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