How to open a Dispensary in Alaska:
In 2014, Alaska voted for the first unified marijuana program in the United States. This means that the state legalized both recreational and medical marijuana in one program. However, there is a distinction between the two, with different licensing periods and qualifications for each marijuana business.
So far, the process for getting a license for a retail marijuana business does not differ much from any regular shop. However, if you don’t have the necessary means to distribute and produce your cannabis, you need to close deals with cultivators and delivery services. Let’s take a look at the specifics of how to open a dispensary in Alaska.
When was cannabis made legal
Legal marijuana in Alaska – Image powered by Issuu.com
Legal marijuana began in Alaska in 2014, and the first sale took place in late 2016. The state is the first to have a single marijuana program that is not separated between medical and recreational. It does, however, have a subtle divide. For example, the recreational part of the Alaskan marijuana program is still issuing licenses, while the medical program is accessible to limited patients.
To obtain marijuana for medical use, one must apply for a patient or a caregiver card, with no other active marijuana business licenses. In July 2016, the state passed a law that gives municipalities the freedom to prohibit and annul recreational cannabis licenses if they deem it necessary.
How many dispensaries are there currently in the state
There are a fair number of dispensaries currently in the state of Alaska, although the market is far from saturated. So far, the state has issued 54 active licenses for medical dispensaries, 109 licenses for medical marijuana cultivations, 8 active licenses for manufacturers, and 3 testing labs.
How much money is there in the Alaska marijuana market
Alaska marijuana market – Image powered by Greenrushreview.com
The marijuana industry in Alaska is not something to ignore, whether we’re talking about medical marijuana or recreational marijuana. In 2016, medical sales were around $4,000,300, while they are projected to increase to $11,300,000 in 2021. The projected recreational adult use sales for the same year are expected to reach around $79,300,000.
Dispensary Owner requirements
If you want to operate a legal marijuana dispensary in Alaska, there is a standard procedure that you should follow. You’ll need to read through the regulations carefully to ensure that you aren’t missing any details.
Dispensary Owner requirements – Image powered by Firstamericanmerchant.com
Also, don’t forget to do thorough research on your potential operating location(s) and investigate whether licensing is actually possible in the prospective cities or counties. After that, you should acquire the necessary licenses to operate your retail store to fully comply with the law. Finally, before you open your business, you have to establish the operational infrastructure to be compliant according to all regulations.
Contract with cultivators and/or cannabis products manufacturers to grow or produce marijuana products for you, if you can’t do it yourself.
License requirements
Getting a license for a dispensary business is the same as getting one for any normal (non-marijuana) retail store. The main difference is finding cultivators to grow marijuana for you if your business doesn’t have the necessary capacity.
Opening marijuana retail stores and dispensaries is, of course, legal in the state of Alaska. However, whether this is possible or not in a specific county or city is entirely up to that city and/or county of choice, as the state allows the local municipalities to ban or revoke licensed dispensaries as they see fit. No matter where in Alaska you plan on setting up your dispensary, do due diligence and research the market before making your move.
License requirements – Image powered by Theplanner.co.uk
Licenses available as of this writing include:
- Retail sales
- Manufacturing (including edibles)
- Growing
- Testing
Also, keep in mind that:
- Vertical integration of licenses is permitted.
- Testing licensees are not permitted to hold other marijuana business licenses.
- Your license will be tied to the physical location of your business, meaning that if you move, you have to apply for a new license.
- There is no limit as to how many licenses can be issued per individual or company.
Financial requirements
Alaska is the first state to introduce a single marijuana industry without making a distinction between medical and recreational use. As of February 2016, you can apply online for a marijuana business license for a fee. On January 22, 2016, the state finalized the Alaskan cannabis industry regulations, which became state law on February 21, 2016.
The application fees are as follows:
- Application fee: $1,000
- License for retail marijuana store: $5,000
- License renewal application: $600
Annual license fees:
- Retail license: $5000
- Full cultivation: $5000
- Limited cultivation (less than 500 square feet): $1000
- Extracts-only: $1000
- Product manufacturing: $5000
- Cannabis testing facility: $1000
How much does a marijuana dispensary in Alaska make?
Marijuana dispensaries can easily make $50,000 a year, sometimes even tens of millions of dollars. Additionally, the Alaska market is growing and offers many opportunities for new owners.
Timeframe
Because of the licensing requirements, it can take some time to open a marijuana business. Allow at least a year to get finances in order, acquire the correct licenses, and secure suppliers and employees.
Timeframe – Image powered by Pinterest.com
Links to consulting companies that can help open a dispensary in Alaska
Looking to start a marijuana dispensary in Alaska? The consulting companies listed below can help with state licensing requirements, completing applications as well as running and stocking your business.
- GreenZipp
https://greenzipp.com/pages/states - Canna Advisors
http://thinkcanna.com/ - DispensaryPermits.com
http://dispensarypermits.com/ - Quantum 9 Inc.
https://quantum9.net/portfolio/cannabis-consulting-services/ - Medicine Man Technologies
http://www.medicinemantechnologies.com/ - Comprehensive Cannabis Consulting
https://www.3ccannabis.com/ - Green Rush Consulting
http://greenrushconsulting.com/open-a-dispensary/
The post How to open a Dispensary in Alaska appeared first on I Love Growing Marijuana.
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