The Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission Has Resumed Processing New Marijuana License Applications
Background
In 2018, the OLCC released an informational bulletin announcing a “pause” on processing new license applications in order to focus on existing licensees and applicants who had already submitted applications. Since that time, the OLCC has made significant changes to streamline licensing and renewal processes that generally accelerates the licensing process. With these changes in place, the OLCC is now able to shift licensing staff back to processing new license applications.
What this means for new and pending applications
Applications submitted on or before June 15, 2018:
The OLCC did not pause processing of these applications. Every applicant who submitted an application on or before June 15, 2018 has been contacted by OLCC and given the opportunity to move forward with their application by completing a “Request for Assignment.”
Retailer, Wholesaler, and Processor applications submitted after June 15, 2018:
The OLCC has begun contacting these applicants to determine if they want to move forward with the license application process; applicants who are ready are able to indicate so by submitting a completed “Request for Assignment.” Once assigned to an investigator, applicants will have 60 calendar days to complete the licensing process as described in OAR 845-025-1135.
Producer applications submitted after June 15, 2018:
In 2019, the legislature passed Senate Bill 218, which requires the OLCC to inactivate any new Producer applications submitted after June 15, 2018. We are not able to accept new Producer applications until that law is repealed on January 2, 2022.
Laboratory and Research Certificate applications submitted after June 15, 2018:
The OLCC has continued to process new Laboratory and Research Certificate applications submitted after June 15, 2018 in the order that they are received.
Change of Ownership applications:
The OLCC has continued to process Change of Ownership applications submitted after June 15, 2018 in the order that they are received.
Frequently asked questions
I’m ready to get licensed! Can I submit a new Retailer, Wholesaler, or Processor application now?
Yes. New applications will be processed in the order that they are received. Applications submitted between June 15, 2018 and November 8, 2021 that are ready to move forward will be processed before any applications submitted on or after November 8, 2021.
I think I’ll be ready to get licensed in a few months. Can I submit a new Retailer, Wholesaler, or Processor application now?
You should only submit a new application if you are ready to complete the licensing process within 60 calendar days after assignment to an investigator. By virtue of submitting a new application on or after November 8, 2021, the OLCC assumes the applicant is ready to move forward; the OLCC will not contact an applicant to confirm readiness prior to assigning the application to an investigator. In order to minimize the turnaround time on processing an application, the most important thing an applicant can do is to make sure their application is complete and that they are ready to finish the licensing process in a timely manner. The OLCC may inactivate an application if it is incomplete.
Will OLCC prioritize processing one type of license over another?
No. The goal is to process applications efficiently and provide the industry with predictable timeframes to the greatest extent possible. In order to do that, OLCC licensing staff will be maintaining a “single queue” and processing new applications in the order that they are received. Applicants can review the “Current Processing Dates for Marijuana Licensing Actions” page to see current progress on pending requests based on readiness date.
Will this slow down processing times for change of ownership applications?
In the short term, yes, this will likely increase the waiting time to process change of ownership applications until we have processed the pending Retailer, Wholesaler, and Processor applications that are ready to move forward. Licensing staff will continue to process applications as expeditiously as possible and provide transparent information about the number of pending applications to be processed.
What if I need to change my business structure?
As long as the changes do not qualify as a “Change of Ownership” as defined in OAR 845-025-1160(5), you do not need prior approval from OLCC to make a change to your business structure. You may need to notify OLCC prior to making the change. See OAR 845-025-1160(4) and Guidance on Disclosing Interests in a Recreational Marijuana Business for details.
When can I submit a new Producer application?
The 2019 legislation that required OLCC to inactivate new Producer applications will be repealed on January 2, 2022. At that point, OLCC will no longer inactivate newly submitted Producer applications.
Source: OLCC Website
