Connecticut Adult Use Cannabis: Retail Sales By 2023?

connecticut cannabis

When we last reported on Connecticut’s adult-use cannabis regulations, Governor Ned Lamont had only recently signed S.B. 1201, making Connecticut the nation’s 19th state to embrace full marijuana legalization. Since then, the pace of preparations—including those for retail sales, which may begin as soon as the end of 2022—has only ramped up. As it stands, Connecticut may even beat neighboring New York’s highly anticipated, adult-use program to market.

What’s in store for the state’s legal cannabis program and where does the license application process stand? Here’s what Connecticut cannabusiness hopefuls know.

connecticut cannabis

CT Marijuana Update: The Race to Market, With a Focus on Social Equity

In an effort to craft a regional approach to adult-use cannabis, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut coordinated their efforts towards full marijuana legalization. Since then, Connecticut also took matters into its own hands—especially when it came to the issue of social equity in cannabis.

As we reported in 2021, the state made it clear that at least half of all Connecticut cannabis business licenses would be allocated to applicants who met the state’s social equity criteria. But some details remained to be worked out, leading to a request from the state’s Social Equity Council for a 30-day extension of the deadline for the licensing process. Adding to the delay, some of the Council’s early policies—such as caps on annual income for social equity license applicants—proved controversial.

In addition to this 50% goal regarding social-equity initiatives, state law permits the creation of “hybrid”—that is, medical and adult-use—production and retail facilities through a fee-based system, currently set at $3 million for producers and $1 million for dispensaries. These fee minimums are halved for existing businesses, provided the formerly medical-only business partners with a social equity business.

Finally, Connecticut instituted two lotteries for license applications. The first one awards licenses to approved social equity applicants. The second is designed to serve unsuccessful social equity applicants, as well as all applicants not designated as such. The goal of the lottery system is to avoid forcing applicants to pay large and nonrefundable fees, even if their applications are ultimately unsuccessful.

connecticut cannabis

CT Marijuana Legalization: License Applications Begin

Aforementioned complaints with the Social Equity Council aside, the state officially began accepting cannabis license applications in early February of 2022. As of that date, the approved application categories included:

  • Lottery applications for adult-use cannabis retailers
  • Non-lottery applications for cultivators located in a disproportionately impacted area (DIA)
  • Equity joint ventures
  • Non-lottery applications for conversion from medical cannabis producer to expanded (i.e. medical and adult-use) producer
  • Non-lottery applications for conversion from medical cannabis dispensary to hybrid (i.e. medical and adult-use) retailer

CT Marijuana Legalization: Leveraging Experience and Expertise for Your Enterprise

Connecticut processes cannabis business license applications through the Department of Consumer Protection (DPA). As of this writing, the department hasn’t determined the total number of licenses the state will issue in each category. This means that all applicants must—in addition to being familiar with the regulatory framework—be highly focused on the type of license they’re pursuing.

The launch of full CT marijuana legalization represents a very special opportunity for entrepreneurs able to correctly position themselves. Are you one of them? Since 2009, Bridge West has helped more than 400 license holders find their path to success. If you’re ready to join this fast-moving and exciting moment in cannabis history, we’d love to help you achieve your dreams. Reach out anytime.

Cannabis Dispensary Tech: Popular Cannabis Software Solutions

how to open a dispensary

If you’re planning to enter the cannabis industry, here’s something you’ll need to focus on: Researching and implementing the best cannabis software solutions possible. Cutting-edge point-of-sale (POS) and register solutions are becoming a more common sight in the retail world, but they aren’t an optional upgrade for marijuana dispensaries. For dispensaries, this technology is absolutely a vital piece of equipment—as essential as your physical storefront and the products you fill it with.

If terms like “METRC” and “seed to sale” are new to you, today’s post will help you get oriented. A survey of some of the most popular and best cannabis software solutions, it’s designed to provide you with options, ideas, and a solid grounding in the implementation of these essential pieces of the cannabis industry puzzle.

 

How to Open a Dispensary: Tracking From Seed to Sale

These days, it’s rare—but not unheard of—to encounter an old-fashioned cash register in a café or boutique. In the cannabis world, which requires stringent tracking and tracing of products at every single touchpoint, that doesn’t fly. It’s functionally and legally mandatory to track sales accurately and closely.

Because the cannabis industry in the United States is still very much a state-by-state affair, there are a number of competing seed-to-sale and POS solutions. Here’s an introduction to a few of the most prominent options.

METRC: In the world of seed-to-sale tracking and compliance, METRC is an undisputed giant. METRC, in use by no fewer than 15 states—including California, the world’s largest legal cannabis market, is short for “Marijuana Enforcement Tracking Reporting Compliance.” As such, METRC isn’t a POS system but an overarching end-to-end tracking solution that in turn interfaces with various POS platforms.

This raises an important point: Whichever POS you end up using, it will have to integrate seamlessly with your state-mandated tracking plan. Given its ubiquity, there’s a fair chance it’s METRC.

Flowhub: With a focus on POS, inventory management, ID verification, and dispensary analytics, Flowhub is another heavy hitter in the retail cannabis world. Though the company only began processing retail sales in 2016, it has risen to prominence quickly. By the end of 2021, high-profile partnerships with Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and others had brought the company’s valuation to over $200 million. If you’re shopping for a cannabis software solution, Flowhub will probably land among your considerations.

BioTrack: With an enviable position as the only vertical seed-to-sale cannabis software that’s fully integrated with METRC in every state that employs the platform, BioTrack is another comprehensive option, not only for retailers but for cultivators, processors, and other operators. If you’re operating in a vertically integrated environment, BioTrack is one of the strongest contenders in the field.

Leaf Logix: Another comprehensive seed-to-sale solution, Leaf Logix self-describes itself as the industry’s only native platform that services all cannabis business types. Able to serve cultivators, processors, distributors, and marijuana dispensaries with equal depth, Leaf Logix’s platform also provides accounting and financial support. Take note, as this is a potentially important factor given the challenges many cannabis businesses face when it comes to accessing basic financial services.

MJ Freeway: Like most of the platforms we’ve named here, MJ Freeway prides itself on providing legally-compliant software solutions for several types of cannabis businesses. In the case of MJ Freeway, this includes delivery—an important facet of the industry that’s only grown since the advent of COVID-19. With the capability to set schedules and draft delivery routes, MJ Freeway offers a powerful partner for cannabis businesses that are on the go.

How to Open a Dispensary: ECommerce Solutions

While POS solutions for in-person transactions are an essential part of the equation, there’s also the large (and growing) segment of e-commerce sales to consider. The following companies are among the leaders in this vital segment of the cannabis universe.

I Heart Jane: Described as a “fully integrated, turnkey” solution for e-commerce, I Heart Jane offers a flexible and intuitive platform for customers and retailers alike. As recent trends illustrate, the ability to support touchless or remote transactions is seen as a major upside for retailers looking to acquire and retain customers.

Dutchie: With a platform functionally similar to I Heart Jane’s, this Oregon-based software company offers easily scalable solutions designed to work within single-location, multi-state, or vertically integrated environments. Regardless of the setting, Dutchie’s interface remains sleek, intuitive, and flexible.

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How to Open a Dispensary: Loyalty Counts

Earning (and retaining) customer loyalty is a big deal in retail, and nowhere more so than in the realm of marijuana dispensaries. Here are a couple of software platforms designed to help you manage and leverage this hugely important factor in setting up your business for success.

springbig: With a stated goal of helping cannabis dispensaries and brands stand out and gain traction, this provider of marketing software focuses on increasing retention, boosting sales, and building loyalty among cannabis consumers. This is no easy feat in a fast-moving and highly fluid industry, but springbig delivers. The springbig platform includes customer relationship management (CRM) software designed solely for the cannabis industry.

TokeIn: Another cannabis-specific CRM system, TokeIn offers retailers flexible tools such as customizable loyalty and rewards programs. Relying on lightweight and highly effective SMS marketing, among other tools, the platform allows clients to easily track and manage this vital point of contact with their customers.

How to Open a Dispensary: Moving Beyond Cash

For any customer-facing enterprise, this is where the rubber hits the road: Payment. While marijuana dispensaries have historically had few (if any) options beyond cash, that’s changing—slowly. Here are a couple of the leading options.

Cannapay: Given how underserved the cannabis industry remains when it comes to financial services, Cannapay’s breadth of services come as very welcome news. Offering everything from standard credit card payment options, branded reloadable cards and even armored car pickup for the cash payments still prevalent in the industry, this Washington-based company functions as something of a one-stop shop for cannabis retailers.

CanPay: This platform allows consumers to use their debit cards securely to make purchases. While late and overdraft fees have earned some former customers’ ire, CanPay still stands as one of the very few practical alternatives to cash transactions in the industry.

How to Open a Dispensary: In Conclusion

With the number and scope of software platforms for marijuana dispensaries only growing, we hope this survey of some of the leading options provides some clarity.

If you’re preparing to enter the cannabis industry, we’d like to offer something more: Expert guidance and counsel. Since 2009, Bridge West has helped more than 400 current cannabis business license holders all across the United States navigate the daunting array of rules, regulations, and pitfalls when applying for and securing a license. Reach out; we’d love to talk.

Can I Launch a Cannabis Business in NY with a Criminal Record?

Can you work at a dispensary with a criminal record

We’ve written before about the rollout of New York marijuana legalization, and how the state is working to encourage participation in the cannabis industry by populations who have been unduly affected by the War on Drugs. Herein lies a paradox. Because some would-be entrepreneurs have had personal, negative interactions with the justice system, many of them wonder: Can you work at a dispensary with a criminal record?

In today’s post, we’ll explore this question, as well as provide background on New York marijuana legalization as a whole. If you’re looking to enter the New York cannabis market, this is important information you’ll want to have at the ready.

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How to Open a Dispensary: Equity in New York Cannabis

The Empire State’s Marihuana Regulation & Taxation Act (MRTA) is notable for putting social equity front and center. With a mandate to promote racial, ethnic, and gender diversity when issuing cannabis licenses, advocates hope the program will have a positive, lasting, and galvanizing effect for historically marginalized license applicants.

To that end, the state stipulates that preference will be given to social and economic equity applicants, with a goal of 50% of licenses going to such applicants. These “Social and Economic Equity” applicants will be entitled to such benefits as fee waivers or reductions, access to low-interest or interest-free loans, and no-cost counseling services such as small business coaching and financial planning.

What’s more, these special dispensations are designed to prevent they’re being used as a “back door” for non-qualifying applications. The law prohibits the sale or transfer of a social equity license for three years after initial licensure unless the license is sold or transferred to another qualified social equity licensee (and the transfer is approved by the CCB).

We should note that, finally, the CCB has demonstrated an interest in maintaining geographic diversity among license holders.

Can a Felon Own a Dispensary? Crucial Questions

What bearing does a prior felony conviction have on participation in or ownership of a cannabis business in New York? While many New Yorkers will enjoy automatic expungement of some types of cannabis-related convictions, the implications on licensing are somewhat different. At present, a cannabis-related conviction automatically disbars the person from working at a medical dispensary.

However, the wording of the MRTA allows for some discretion on the part of the Cannabis Control Board. While mandating that cannabis businesses can’t employ those convicted in the last three years of a felony related to the running of a business, the language notes that “a felony conviction for the sale or possession of drugs, narcotics, or controlled substances is not substantially related” in this regard. In other words, the Board is signaling that—within limits—it’s open to changing the paradigm about prior convictions under a legal rubric acknowledged as discriminatory.

When it comes to ownership of a cannabis business, the Board requires full disclosure of any prior cannabis-related convictions. Again, this doesn’t equal automatic, permanent disqualification. Rather, the implication is that the Board will place any prior convictions in context.

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New York Marijuana Legalization: In Conclusion  

While the wording of the state’s licensing requirements may present something of a gray area, there’s no reason to leave yourself in the dark.

If you’re committed to securing a NY cannabis license, we’re here to help. Since 2009, Bridge West has helped more than 400 license holders all across the United States navigate the daunting array of rules, regulations, and pitfalls around applying for and securing a cannabis license. Reach out; we’d love to talk.

NY Cannabis Update: Who’s Who on the New York Cannabis Control Board?

new york cannabis

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Even given the dynamic and fast-moving nature of the cannabis industry, the upcoming launch of New York’s adult-use cannabis industry is noteworthy. With some sources projecting that New York cannabis sales could reach $3.7 billion by 2025, a large number of investors and entrepreneurs are lining up to enter the Empire State’s market.

If you’re interested in understanding New York cannabis licensing requirements, we suggest you get up to speed with our recent blog on the topic. In today’s post, we’re going to shift our focus to the five members of the New York Cannabis Control Board (CCB), the office charged—in concert with the state’s Office of Cannabis Management—with creating the regulatory framework for the New York cannabis industry.

A diverse group that includes veterans from the worlds of finance, labor unions, state politics, and beyond, the members of the CCB are some of the most crucial figures in New York cannabis regulation. Here’s an inside look at their backgrounds and their goals for the New York Cannabis Control Board.

New York Cannabis Control Board: Meet the Members

While the state has faced criticism for the slow rollout of the CCB, Governor Kathy Hochul has signaled her investment in “jumpstarting” the process. After the Governor announced the final two nominees to the CCB in late September, the new CCB held its first meeting in early October 2021. Here are the current members of the CCB and their most notable experience:

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Tremaine Wright, Chairwoman

As a former Brooklyn Assemblywoman and former chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus, Tremaine Wright brings a wealth of knowledge around the issues facing communities of color. As current director of the Office of Financial Inclusion and Empowerment, Wright is expected to help ensure that cannabis businesses have adequate access to banking and other financial services.

Jen Metzger

Like Chairwoman Wright, Former State Senator Metzger brings strong legislative experience to the CCB. First active in local government in the Town of Rosedale and later elected as a New York State Senator for a term, Metzger worked to help fight predatory utility rates and practices and promote greater access to broadband in underserved areas.

Adam Perry

A partner at the Buffalo law office of Hodgson Russ, Adam Perry specializes in employment-related litigation and helps manage the firm’s cannabis and hemp-related practice. According to Speaker of the New York State Assembly speaker, Carl Heastie: “Adam W. Perry is deeply invested in New York’s communities, and will bring that dedication to his new role and be an asset to the Cannabis Control Board.”

Reuben R. McDaniel, III

As the President and CEO of DASNY, Reuben McDaniel is an accomplished executive known as a team player. Prior to his appointment, McDaniel was an investment banker with more than three decades of experience in public and corporate finance.

Jessica Garcia

A rising figure in the labor union world, Jessica Garcia serves as Assistant to the President of a national union representing workers from across the food supply chain, retail, and healthcare. What’s more, Garcia brings strong experience as an organizer and immigrant policy advocate. As such, she serves on several prominent state and local boards.

New York Cannabis Control Board: The Groundwork for Success

Learning about the members of the CCB is a valuable facet of the landscape in the New York cannabis industry, but understanding how the board members’ interests and backgrounds may influence the sector could be a business differentiator. That’s why partnering with an experienced guide such as Bridge West can dramatically increase your chances of success.

Drawing on our deep knowledge of New York’s regulatory and business environment, we guide prospective applicants through the maze of rules and regulations involved in securing a cannabis license there.

Ready to talk? Reach out anytime.

How to Win a Cannabis License In New Jersey as an Impact Zone Business

new jersey impact zone business

As of fall 2021, New Jersey is gearing up to launch its much-anticipated legal cannabis industry. In a previous article, we laid out the cannabis licensing requirements in the Garden State (we suggest you revisit it to familiarize yourself with the landscape).

In today’s post, we’ll be drilling down a little deeper into the topic of “impact zones.” These state-defined regions are earmarked for investments generated by cannabis revenues. What’s more, license applications from entrepreneurs with ties to these regions will be given priority when it comes to licensing approvals.

If you’re interested in applying for a cannabis license in New Jersey and you qualify as an impact zone business, we urge you to make the most of this special opportunity. Here’s everything you need to know.

Cannabis Licensing Requirements in New Jersey: What is an Impact Zone?

Earlier this year, New Jersey’s newly-enacted adult-use law established the legal framework for the state’s adult-use cannabis industry. And from the start, the state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) has demonstrated a commitment to addressing social impact in cannabis. That’s why the CRC’s application criteria prioritizes residents of impact zones: municipalities negatively impacted by unemployment, poverty, and/or past cannabis enforcement activity. 

Although the State has not published a list of municipalities that qualify as impact zones, based on the criteria stated in the law, New Jersey’s designated impact zones likely include: 

  • Atlantic City
  • Bridgeton
  • Camden
  • Commercial Township
  • East Orange
  • Elizabeth
  • Franklin Township
  • Irvington
  • Jersey City
  • Newark
  • Maurice River Township
  • Millville
  • New Brunswick
  • Orange City
  • Passaic
  • Paterson
  • Perth Amboy
  • Plainfield
  • Quinton Township
  • Salem City
  • Trenton
  • Vineland

The CRC will prioritize impact zones businesses in the application process, and the law establishes three ways to qualify as an impact zone business:

  1. The business is located, or intends to be located, within an impact zone; 
  2. More than 50% of the ownership interest is held by a current resident or residents of an impact zone who have resided there for three or more consecutive years at the time of application; or 
  3. The business presents a plan, along with an attestation, to ensure that: 
    1. At least 25% of its employees reside in any of the State’s impact zones, and 
    2. Among the employees who reside in impact zones, at least 25% reside in the impact zone nearest to the cannabis business’s location or intended location.

What’s in it for the actual impact zones? Quite a lot, actually. State regulations call for 70% of cannabis-derived revenues to be reinvested in these areas in the form of grants, loans, reimbursement of expenses, and other considerations. And with New Jersey’s cannabis market set to achieve a projected value of $1.2 to $1.5 billion by 2023, these programs are expected to generate quite an impact indeed.

That’s not the end of the story when it comes to New Jersey’s efforts to level the playing field. In addition to the priority given to residents of impact zones, the CRC will allocate 15% of licenses to minority-certified businesses and an additional 15% to those owned by women or disabled veterans.

Cannabis Licensing Requirements in New Jersey: Maximize Your Chances of Success

While the CRC hasn’t yet made public the exact components of its point scale, we can draw upon our deep experience in the industry to forecast some of the criteria New Jersey’s commission will be considering:

  • Direct experience in the cannabis industry
  • A detailed business plan that includes all pertinent, cannabis-specific aspects—including compliance software and reporting tools 
  • Demonstration of financial and managerial competence
  • Environmental-impact plans and sanitation procedures 
  • Safety and security procedures, including those for cybersecurity and diversion prevention
  • An emergency management plan, as well as procedures to report adverse events

If you’re committed to entering New Jersey’s burgeoning legal cannabis industry, Bridge West is ready to help. With a proven track record—since 2009, we’ve helped over 400 applicants all across the United States win cannabis business licenses—we guide entrepreneurs through the many rules, regulations, and potential pitfalls involved in securing a cannabis license. Whether you qualify due to your designation as an impact zone business, are a diversely-owned business, or are any other type of applicant, we have the experience and skill to help you chart a course for success. Ready to talk? Reach out anytime.