Nevada Cannabis Cultivation License

Are you thinking of getting into the cannabis business in Nevada but wondering how to get a Nevada cannabis cultivation license? Read on to find out.

NEVADA IS NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING ANY NEW CANNABIS LICENSE APPLICATIONS

There are potential opportunities with sub-licensing from an existing license operator. 

Fill out our form, and let us know “you have future interest” and we’ll keep you in the loop when licenses become available again in Nevada.

As stated on the Nevada cannabis law, cultivation of recreational cannabis is allowed but for up to a maximum of six plants only or twelve plants for every household. In addition, cannabis cultivation in Nevada is only allowed if the nearest licensed dispensary is more than 25 miles away. Growing more than twelve cannabis plants in Nevada is illegal, although the court will sometimes grant probation instead of prison.

The legalization of cannabis in Nevada dates back to 2001, when cannabis was approved for medical use. However, the program was only implemented in 2015. In 2016, citizens of Nevada had voted for the legalization of the use of recreational cannabis. At which time, the possession, consumption, and purchase of cannabis for adults over 21 have been permitted. 

Cannabis is a thriving industry in Nevada. If you want to take advantage of this thriving industry and open your cannabis dispensary, you must first educate yourself about the Nevada cannabis laws. And if you plan on cultivating cannabis, you must first acquire a Nevada cannabis cultivation license. 

Nevada Cannabis Cultivation License

The Nevada cannabis cultivation license will permit the holder to cultivate, process, and package cannabis. Furthermore, the permit holders must be willing to get their cannabis products tested by a cannabis testing facility. They can sell their cultivated cannabis to retail stores, manufacturing facilities, and other cultivation facilities. However, they are not allowed to sell their products to consumers. 

  • Nevada Cannabis Dispensary License

 The Nevada cannabis dispensary license allows the holder to buy cannabis products from licensed cannabis cultivation facilities and edible facilities. Dispensaries won’t be able to purchase cannabis or cannabis-infused products from unauthorized sources, including out-of-state facilities, regardless of whether or not these facilities are licensed in their corresponding jurisdictions. A cannabis dispensary will be the only facility permitted to sell to consumers and individual patients.

  • Nevada Cannabis Distributor License

The Nevada Cannabis Distributor License gives the holder a license to transport cannabis products coming from cannabis establishments going to another establishment. An example is when a cannabis product from a cultivation facility will be transported to a retail store.

  • Nevada Cannabis Manufacturing License

The Nevada Cannabis Manufacturing License allows the holder to purchase, manufacture, process, and package cannabis and cannabis-infused products. It also allows the selling of cannabis to other manufacturing facilities and retail cannabis stores. However, they will not be allowed to sell directly to consumers. This applies to cannabis products, including edibles, ointments, and tinctures.

Nevada Cannabis Laws for Growers

  • Medical vs. Recreational Cannabis

If you operate as a recreational cannabis cultivation facility, you will be allowed to cultivate, process, and package cannabis. Your cannabis products will have to be tested by a testing facility. You can sell your products to retail cannabis stores, manufacturing facilities, and other cultivation facilities. However, you will not be allowed to sell your products directly to consumers.

As stated on the Nevada medical cannabis laws; a cannabis cultivation facility is a facility that cultivates, acquires, possesses, delivers, transports, transfers, supplies, or sells cannabis and other cannabis-related supplies to medical cannabis dispensaries and facilities allowing them to produce cannabis products or cannabis-infused products.

  • Handouts

All handouts should be disclosed, including samples, fertilizers, soil amendments, growing mediums, and crop production aids. The facility that tested the cannabis products must also be disclosed on the handouts. Packaged samples for distribution should be less than 3 ½ grams only. These samples must not be sold and should be destroyed after use.

  • Quality Control

Each cannabis cultivation facility must have a quality control unit responsible for checking the packaging, containers, and cannabis products in general. The facility should always give importance to hygiene. They should also have a proper building that was established in compliance with the administrative code 453A.606.

Nevada Cannabis Cultivation Zoning Laws

Cannabis establishments, such as medical cannabis and retail cannabis will be allowed within the Heavy Industrial (HI), Light Industrial (LI), Commercial Manufacturing (CM), General Commercial (GC), and business opportunity overlay zones if located within the Pahrump regional planning district or any areas outside of the district that will allow light or heavy industrial uses, manufacturing, and general commercial, but must comply with the distance separation requirements and some other restrictions.

Any establishment that’s caught violating any of the provisions stated in the Nevada Cannabis Cultivation Zoning Laws will be found guilty of a misdemeanor and subjected to a fine of not less than $500, but not more than $1,000. It could also lead to imprisonment in the county jail for six months or less. Any prohibited act or a result of the failure to perform the required acts shall constitute a violation of the law. 

Nevada Cannabis Cultivation License Application

The process of applying for a Nevada cannabis license is the same regardless of the type of business that you want to establish, whether it’s a cultivation facility, dispensary, production facility, or testing lab. Here’s how to set up a cannabis cultivation facility and apply for the Nevada cannabis cultivation license:

  1. Develop a Business Strategy 

The first step is to develop your business strategy. Cannabis cultivation is very lucrative, so you can expect quite a bit of competition when applying for a license to cultivate cannabis. There are so many Nevada entities looking to own a significant market share in the cannabis industry, and they are more likely to rise above other smaller entities. Talk to an expert who can decide if your vision is realistic enough for the market. They can also help create a master checklist on building a profitable cannabis cultivation facility in Nevada.

  1. Choose the Right Location 

Like with any cannabis business, establishing a cultivation facility requires a suitable location. But remember that there are regulations, restrictions, and local laws govern where and how your cultivation facility should operate. These factors must be considered when finding and acquiring a suitable location for your business. And after you have acquired the property to use for your business, the next step is to attain a Conditional Use Permit/Land Entitlement.

In Nevada, any building, facility space, or site that requires construction or modifications associated with a proposed Cannabis Cultivation, Production, or Dispensing facility must possess appropriate construction permits. 

Remember that the local community could block the approval of your license. Local ordinances are put in place to protect residents from nuisances such as offensive odors. Therefore, take time to understand the local laws before setting up your business. Find out if your city will allow cannabis cultivation before you start with the rigorous process of searching properties to set up your cultivation facility.

  1. Prepare Your Application Package

Once you already have a variable site to set up your business, it’s time to prepare the application package. Remember that state officials will not hand out Nevada cannabis cultivation licenses to anybody. You must have a business plan that includes essential details such as tracking and trace compliance, safety and security, compliance inspections and audits, odor control, community relations, and operations. Your business plan is also an important tool to attract potential investors to your business.

  1. Seek Approval from the State

Finally, it’s time to submit your application package to the state. But getting approval is not that easy and may require additional paperwork and tons of technical execution. Not only that, you will be required to submit your application to various state agencies. Again, it all boils down to having a comprehensive business plan, which will make it easier for the state agencies to process your application. 

  1. Obtain local approvals

Aside from seeking approval from the state, you must also seek approval from the local government officials in the area where you plan to establish your business. Unfortunately, these local officials have the tendency to take things a lot more personally. They live in the area and are looking out for their home and the safety of their families. If they find that your business could pose a risk in the area, they will do everything in their power to stop it. 

In this case, you may have to present your business plan at a public hearing. Your proposal will either be approved or denied based on the vote from the city council or the city planning commission. In addition, you may also be required to acquire permits, licenses, and certifications from other local departments, including environmental assessments.

  1. Maintain permits and licenses

After you have acquired the cultivation licenses and approvals, you must make sure to comply with the ongoing regulations. Keep in mind that these licenses are issued with an agreement that you will participate in the continued monitoring and reporting and meticulous inventory tracking. While your business is in operation, you can expect the local and state regulators to visit and inspect your business regularly. And remember, some of the permits and licenses will require annual renewal, so make sure you get these renewed on time.

Nevada Commercial Grow License Cost

Here are the fees associated with obtaining a Nevada cannabis cultivation license:

Cannabis Cultivation Facility                    

  • Initial cost of Cultivation Facility Licensing – $30,000                                                   
  • Renewal cost of Cultivation Facility Licensing – $10,000

Licensed Cannabis Cultivation Facilities

Cannabis cultivation is a relatively specialized and labor-intensive industry. It requires intense hours and a significant amount of skill to operate. There are three main ways to cultivate cannabis – indoors, outdoors, and a greenhouse. Each process has its pros and cons. 

  • Indoor-growing cannabis indoor will give you complete control of the entire process of production, including air circulation and room temperature. Another advantage is that some of the newer genetics of cannabis can thrive better in indoor environments. However, some risks come with growing cannabis indoors. If you get toxins within the grow room, it will be more difficult to get rid of since it’s contained in a small environment. Therefore, make sure you keep your grow room clean at all times.

 

  • Outdoor – full-term outdoor cultivation is the most natural and less expensive way of growing cannabis. It will not require any artificial lights and fans. All you need are soil, sunlight, and tents. But the biggest disadvantage of cultivating cannabis outdoors is that the plants will be exposed to outside elements, which can have detrimental effects on the quality of cannabis products that you produce. But if done right, outdoor cultivation of cannabis can lead to a profitable business.

 

  • Greenhouse – the greenhouse method is also a great option for cultivating cannabis. It relies on natural sunlight, resulting in a complete and natural terpene profile. The results will be so much better than using artificial lighting. Furthermore, the greenhouse method is more environment-friendly as it impacts the earth’s natural resources less.

Packaging of Cannabis Products

When it comes to packaging the cannabis products you produce, you must adhere to the cannabis packing regulations of Nevada, which puts a lot of emphasis on the safety of minors. Below are the packaging guidelines that manufacturers of cannabis should follow:

  • All products must be sealed in child-resistant packaging. It must not have easy-open tabs, corners or dimples.
  • The plastic packaging should be at least 4 mm. thick and made from non-toxic materials. It should be sturdy enough to protect the contents from any form of contamination.
  • Cannabis products in liquid form should be packed in a 4-mm thick food-grade bottle. The bottle should be sealed with a cork-style bottle cap made of metal. 
  • All edibles should be stored in opaque packaging that’s child-resistant.

Conclusion

Any business takes time to set up, and cannabis businesses are no different. Obtaining a cannabis cultivation license in Nevada can be complicated. Hiring us as your cannabis license experts is a great way to get your business up and running fast. We know precisely what the state wants to see, and we’ll streamline the entire application process. If you’re ready to get your Nevada cannabis cultivation license application moving, we’re here to help. Contact us and get started today.

 

Frequently Asked Questions