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How to Start any Recreational Marijuana Business in Massachusetts

Cooperative, Cultivation, Delivery Service, Dispensary, Manufacturing, Massachusetts, Microbusiness, Mobile Dispensary, Recreational Marijuana, Retail, Testing Laboratory, Transporter

The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) of Massachusetts is currently accepting recreational marijuana licensing applications for the following cannabis businesses:

Delivery Service
Cultivation/Growing
Manufacturing
Dispensary/ Retail Storefront
Marijuana Transporter
Craft Marijuana Cooperative
Microbusiness
Testing Laboratory

If you’re serious about starting a marijuana business in Massachusetts you should check out the How To Get Started In The Medical or Recreational Marijuana Industry package to understand everything you need to know and do, from start to finish, to make this a reality.

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How to Start a Marijuana Delivery Service Business In Massachusetts

Setup Your Marijuana Business Corporate Structure

You need to set up your cannabis company entity (corporation, LLC, partnership, etc) and register it to do business in Massachusetts with the Secretary of State Office.

Find a Compliant Location

Even though your business is mobile, you still need to house the product somewhere when not delivering to customers, and this location must meet all state and local zoning ordinances.

Create a Marijuana Delivery Service Business Plan

You are required to include in your application packet a summary of your delivery service business plan.

Delivery Service Licensing Application

You must first register your business in the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Portal (MassCIP) before you can start the 3-stage application process.

File Your Applications

Stage 1 – File an Application of Intent

You will be required to provide the following administrative and personnel details about your marijuana delivery service:

Proof that business is registered with the state
List of all individuals and entities that will have control in the business
Ownership percentage of each individual
Disclosure of any of the named applicants past or present business interests in other jurisdictions
Amount and sources of capital and/or investment
Proof of having held a Community Outreach meeting

Stage 2 – Submit Background Checks

All individuals involved in the business such as managers; executives; persons having direct or indirect authority over the marijuana establishments will be required to submit background checks. There are four background authorization forms required:

CORI Acknowledgement Form
IVES Form 4506-T
Disclosure and Acknowledgment Form
Release Authorization Form

Stage 3 – Management & Operations profile

You will now need to provide further information and documentation about the delivery service business:

Install Operations Infrastructure

Now that you’ve submitted your marijuana delivery service applications, once your license(s) have been issued, it’s now time to start hiring people, buying equipment, and setting up your internal transportation operation plans and procedures to ensure legal compliance and smooth operation.

Market Your Cannabis Delivery Service

Your delivery service will live or die based on how well you market it to the public. There are some major pitfalls and hurdles you’ll have to overcome to do this legally and effectively. Marijuana businesses no longer sell themselves, so you’ll need to ensure you’ve got a great Marijuana Company Marketing & Advertising Plan in place to ensure the businesses’ success.

Pay Taxes & Renew Licenses

Pay all applicable taxes and be sure to renew your license(s) annually.

. . .

How to Start a Marijuana Cultivation/Growing Business In Massachusetts

Setup Your Marijuana Business Corporate Structure

You need to form your cannabis company (corporation, LLC, partnership, etc) and register to do business in Massachusetts with the Secretary of State Office.

Find a Compliant Location

You’ll need to find a compliant business location that meets the state, county, and city zoning regulations. This is one of the few and biggest make-or-break items that will directly impact whether you will get licensed, so take your time and ensure you get this right the first time or prepare for massive headaches later on if your location falls through or isn’t compliant.

Create a Marijuana Cultivation Business Plan

You are required to include in your application packet a summary of your cultivation business plan.

Cultivation Business Licensing Application

You must first register your business in the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Portal (MassCIP) before you can start the 3-stage application process.

File Your Applications

Stage 1 – File an Application of Intent

You will be required to provide the following administrative and personnel details about your marijuana cultivation business:

Proof that business is registered with the state
List of all individuals and entities that will have control in the business
Ownership percentage of each individual
Disclosure of any of the named applicants past or present business interests in other jurisdictions
Amount and sources of capital and/or investment
Proof of having held a Community Outreach meeting

Stage 2 – Submit Background Checks

CORI Acknowledgement Form
IVES Form 4506-T
Disclosure and Acknowledgment Form
Release Authorization Form

Stage 3 – Management & Operations profile

You will now need to provide further information and documentation about the marijuana cultivation business:

Install Operations Infrastructure

Now that you’ve submitted your marijuana cultivation applications, once your license(s) have been issued, it’s now time to start hiring people, buying equipment, and setting up your internal cultivation operation plans and procedures to ensure legal compliance and smooth operation.

Market Your Marijuana Cultivation Business

Your cultivation business will live or die based on how well you market it to the public. There are some major pitfalls and hurdles you’ll have to overcome to do this legally and effectively. Marijuana businesses no longer sell themselves, so you’ll need to ensure you’ve got a great Marijuana Marketing & Advertising Plan in place to ensure the businesses’ success.

Pay Taxes & Renew Your Licenses

Pay all applicable taxes and be sure to renew your license(s) annually.

. . .

How to Start a Marijuana Manufacturing Business In Massachusetts

Setup Your Marijuana Business Corporate Structure

You need to form your cannabis company (corporation, LLC, partnership, etc) and register to do business in Massachusetts with the Secretary of State Office.

Find a Compliant Location

Create a Marijuana Manufacturing Business Plan

You are required to include in your application packet a summary of your manufacturing business plan.

Manufacturing Business Licensing Application

You have to register first in the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Portal (MassCIP) before you can start the 3-stage application process:

File Your Applications

Stage 1 – File an Application of Intent

You will be required to provide the following administrative and personnel details about your marijuana manufacturing business:

Proof that business is registered with the state
List of all individuals and entities that will have control in the business
Ownership percentage of each individual
Disclosure of any of the named applicants past or present business interests in other jurisdictions
Amount and sources of capital and/or investment
Proof of having held a Community Outreach meeting

Stage 2 – Submit Background Checks

CORI Acknowledgement Form
IVES Form 4506-T
Disclosure and Acknowledgment Form
Release Authorization Form

Stage 3 – Management & Operations profile

You will now need to provide further information and documentation about the marijuana manufacturing business:

Install Operations Infrastructure

Now that you’ve submitted your marijuana manufacturing applications, once your license(s) have been issued, it’s now time to start hiring people, buying equipment, and setting up your internal manufacturing operation plans and procedures to ensure legal compliance and smooth operation.

Market Your Marijuana Manufacturing Business

Your manufacturing business will live or die based on how well you market it to the public. There are some major pitfalls and hurdles you’ll have to overcome to do this legally and effectively. Marijuana businesses no longer sell themselves, so you’ll need to ensure you’ve got a great Marijuana Marketing & Advertising Plan in place to ensure the businesses’ success.

Pay Taxes & Renew Your Licenses

Pay all applicable taxes and be sure to renew your license(s) annually.

. . .

How To Start a Marijuana Dispensary/Retail Storefront in Massachusetts

Setup Your Marijuana Business Corporate Structure

You need to form your cannabis company (corporation, LLC, partnership, etc) and register to do business in Massachusetts with the Secretary of State Office.

Find a Compliant Location

Create a Marijuana Dispensary/Retail Storefront Business Plan

You are required to include in your application packet a summary of your dispensary/retail storefront business plan.

Dispensary/Retail Storefront Licensing Application

You must first register your business in the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Portal (MassCIP) before you can start the 3-stage application process.

File Your Applications

Stage 1 – File an Application of Intent

You will be required to provide the following administrative and personnel details about your marijuana dispensary/retail storefront:

Proof that business is registered with the state
List of all individuals and entities that will have control in the business
Ownership percentage of each individual
Disclosure of any of the named applicants past or present business interests in other jurisdictions
Amount and sources of capital and/or investment
Proof of having held a Community Outreach meeting

Stage 2 – Submit Background Checks

CORI Acknowledgement Form
IVES Form 4506-T
Disclosure and Acknowledgment Form
Release Authorization Form

Stage 3 – Management & Operations profile

You will now need to provide further information and documentation about the marijuana dispensary/retail storefront:

Install Operations Infrastructure

Now that you’ve submitted your marijuana dispensary/retail storefront applications, once your license(s) have been issued, it’s now time to start hiring people, buying equipment, and setting up your internal dispensary/retail store operation plans and procedures to ensure legal compliance and smooth operation.

Market Your Marijuana Dispensary/Retail Storefront

Your dispensary/retail storefront will live or die based on how well you market it to the public. There are some major pitfalls and hurdles you’ll have to overcome to do this legally and effectively. Marijuana businesses no longer sell themselves, so you’ll need to ensure you’ve got a great Marijuana Marketing & Advertising Plan in place to ensure the businesses’ success.

Pay Taxes & Renew Licenses

Pay all applicable taxes and be sure to renew your license(s) annually.

. . .

How To Start a Marijuana Transporter Business in Massachusetts

Setup Your Marijuana Business Corporate Structure

You need to form your cannabis company (corporation, LLC, partnership, etc) and register to do business in Massachusetts with the Secretary of State Office.

Find a Compliant Location

Create a Marijuana Transporter Business Plan

You are required to include in your application packet a summary of your transporter business plan.

Transporter Licensing Application

You must first register your business in the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Portal (MassCIP) before you can start the 3-stage application process.

File Your Applications

Stage 1 – File an Application of Intent

You will be required to provide the following administrative and personnel details about your marijuana transporter business:

Proof that business is registered with the state
List of all individuals and entities that will have control in the business
Ownership percentage of each individual
Disclosure of any of the named applicants past or present business interests in other jurisdictions
Amount and sources of capital and/or investment
Proof of having held a Community Outreach meeting

Stage 2 – Submit Background Checks

CORI Acknowledgement Form
IVES Form 4506-T
Disclosure and Acknowledgment Form
Release Authorization Form

Stage 3 – Management & Operations profile

You will now need to provide further information and documentation about the marijuana transporter business:

Install Operations Infrastructure

Now that you’ve submitted your marijuana transporter applications, once your license(s) have been issued, it’s now time to start hiring people, buying equipment, and setting up your internal transportation operation plans and procedures to ensure legal compliance and smooth operation.

Market Your Marijuana Transporter Business

Your transporter business will live or die based on how well you market it to the public. There are some major pitfalls and hurdles you’ll have to overcome to do this legally and effectively. Marijuana businesses no longer sell themselves, so you’ll need to ensure you’ve got a great Marijuana Marketing & Advertising Plan in place to ensure the businesses’ success.

Pay Taxes & Renew Licenses

Pay all applicable taxes and be sure to renew your license(s) annually.

. . .

How To Start a Craft Marijuana Cooperative in Massachusetts(Link)

Setup Your Marijuana Business Corporate Structure

You need to form your cannabis company (corporation, LLC, partnership, etc) and register to do business in Massachusetts with the Secretary of State Office.

Find a Compliant Location

Create a Craft Marijuana Cooperative Business Plan

You are required to include in your application packet a summary of your craft marijuana cooperative business plan.

Craft Marijuana Cooperative Licensing Application

You must first register your business in the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Portal (MassCIP) before you can start the 3-stage application process.

File Your Applications

Stage 1 – File an Application of Intent

You will be required to provide the following administrative and personnel details about your craft marijuana cooperative:

Proof that business is registered with the state
List of all individuals and entities that will have control in the business
Ownership percentage of each individual
Disclosure of any of the named applicants past or present business interests in other jurisdictions
Amount and sources of capital and/or investment
Proof of having held a Community Outreach meeting

Stage 2 – Submit Background Checks

CORI Acknowledgement Form
IVES Form 4506-T
Disclosure and Acknowledgment Form
Release Authorization Form

Stage 3 – Management & Operations profile

You will now need to provide further information and documentation about the craft marijuana cooperative:

Install Operations Infrastructure

Now that you’ve submitted your craft marijuana cooperative applications, once your license(s) have been issued, it’s now time to start hiring people, buying equipment, and setting up your internal craft marijuana cooperative operation plans and procedures to ensure legal compliance and smooth operation.

Market Your Craft Marijuana Cooperative

Your craft marijuana cooperative will live or die based on how well you market it to the public. There are some major pitfalls and hurdles you’ll have to overcome to do this legally and effectively. Marijuana businesses no longer sell themselves, so you’ll need to ensure you’ve got a great Marijuana Marketing & Advertising Plan in place to ensure the businesses’ success.

Pay Taxes & Renew Licenses

Pay all applicable taxes and be sure to renew your license(s) annually.

. . .

How To Start a Marijuana Microbusiness in Massachusetts

Setup Your Marijuana Business Corporate Structure

You need to form your cannabis company (corporation, LLC, partnership, etc) and register to do business in Massachusetts with the Secretary of State Office.

Find a Compliant Location

Create a Marijuana Business Plan

You are required to include in your application packet a summary of your business plan.

Microbusiness Licensing Application

You must first register your business in the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Portal (MassCIP) before you can start the 3-stage application process.

File Your Applications

Stage 1 – File an Application of Intent

You will be required to provide the following administrative and personnel details about your marijuana microbusiness:

Proof that business is registered with the state
List of all individuals and entities that will have control in the business
Ownership percentage of each individual
Disclosure of any of the named applicants past or present business interests in other jurisdictions
Amount and sources of capital and/or investment
Proof of having held a Community Outreach meeting

Stage 2 – Submit Background Checks

CORI Acknowledgement Form
IVES Form 4506-T
Disclosure and Acknowledgment Form
Release Authorization Form

Stage 3 – Management & Operations profile

You will now need to provide further information and documentation about the marijuana microbusiness:

Install Operations Infrastructure

Now that you’ve submitted your marijuana microbusiness applications, once your license(s) have been issued, it’s now time to start hiring people, buying equipment, and setting up your internal microbusiness operation plans and procedures to ensure legal compliance and smooth operation.

Market Your Marijuana Microbusiness

Your marijuana microbusiness will live or die based on how well you market it to the public. There are some major pitfalls and hurdles you’ll have to overcome to do this legally and effectively. Marijuana businesses no longer sell themselves, so you’ll need to ensure you’ve got a great Marijuana Marketing & Advertising Plan in place to ensure the businesses’ success.

Pay Taxes & Renew Licenses

Pay all applicable taxes and be sure to renew your license(s) annually.

. . .

How To Start a Marijuana Testing Laboratory in Massachusetts

Setup Your Marijuana Business Corporate Structure

You need to form your cannabis company (corporation, LLC, partnership, etc) and register to do business in Massachusetts with the Secretary of State Office.

Find a Compliant Location

Create a Marijuana Testing Laboratory Business Plan

You are required to include in your application packet a summary of your Testing Laboratory business plan.

Testing Laboratory Licensing Application

You must first register your business in the Massachusetts Cannabis Industry Portal (MassCIP) before you can start the 3-stage application process.

File Your Applications

Stage 1 – File an Application of Intent

You will be required to provide the following administrative and personnel details about your marijuana microbusiness:

Proof that business is registered with the state
List of all individuals and entities that will have control in the business
Ownership percentage of each individual
Disclosure of any of the named applicants past or present business interests in other jurisdictions
Amount and sources of capital and/or investment
Proof of having held a Community Outreach meeting

Stage 2 – Submit Background Checks

CORI Acknowledgement Form
IVES Form 4506-T
Disclosure and Acknowledgment Form
Release Authorization Form

Stage 3 – Management & Operations profile

You will now need to provide further information and documentation about the marijuana testing laboratory:

Install Operations Infrastructure

Now that you’ve submitted your marijuana testing laboratory applications, once your license(s) have been issued, it’s now time to start hiring people, buying equipment, and setting up your internal testing laboratory operation plans and procedures to ensure legal compliance and smooth operation.

Market Your Marijuana Testing Laboratory

Your marijuana testing laboratory will live or die based on how well you market it to the public. There are some major pitfalls and hurdles you’ll have to overcome to do this legally and effectively. Marijuana businesses no longer sell themselves, so you’ll need to ensure you’ve got a great Marijuana Marketing & Advertising Plan in place to ensure the businesses’ success.