"Starting May 1st, 2016, the Denver Excise and Licenses is prohibited from processing new cannabis business licenses (including cultivation facilities). Instead, applications for these license types at new locations will be accepted via a lottery process.
Applicants who wish to enter the licensing process will have to submit a completed application form, along with supporting documents and fees to the state’s Marijuana Enforcement Division. The MED will then file a copy with the Denver Excise and Licenses who will review the validity of the submission. If rejected, applicants will receive a letter from Denver Excise and Licenses explaining the reasoning behind the state’s decision. In case of a successful outcome, the applicant will be notified that they are thereby approved to file a licensing application.
Colorado’s law allows counties and cities to set rules for both growers and sellers, meaning you may not be able to grow in certain places. Always check the local laws before you begin the process of setting up a business.
Financial and insurance requirements
Depending on location, costs for starting a marijuana growing business in Colorado can vary. Here is a detailed breakdown of all associated costs.
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State fees:
- Retail Marijuana Cultivation $4,000
- Retail Marijuana Transporter (2-yr license) $4,900
- Retail Marijuana Operator $2,700
- Affiliated Interest (that is not an IBIO) $200 Commercially Reasonable Royalty Interest Holder w/more than 30% $400
- Commercially Reasonable Royalty Interest Holder w/less than or equal to 30% $200
- Permitted Economic Interest $400 Profit Sharing Plan Employee $200
- Qualified Limited Passive Investor – Limited Initial Background Check $75
- Qualified Limited Passive Investor – Full background for reasonable cause $125
- Qualified Institutional Investor $200
Local fees:
- Retail Marijuana Cultivation $2,500
- Retail Marijuana Transporter (2-yr license) $500
- Retail Marijuana Operator $500
Insurance requirements are similar to that of a standard (non-marijuana) business owner.
Resident requirements
The rules around business owner residency aren’t entirely clear in Colorado. So foreigners (and those from other states) may be able to start a growing operation in Colorado. However, the state will give preference to Colorado applicants."