{"id":286786,"date":"2019-10-16T11:49:19","date_gmt":"2019-10-16T16:49:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/marijuana-business-licenses-permits-and-planning.html"},"modified":"2025-08-14T12:28:31","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T17:28:31","slug":"marijuana-business-licenses-permits-and-planning","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/marijuana-business-licenses-permits-and-planning.html","title":{"rendered":"Marijuana Business: Licenses, Permits, and Planning"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Marijuana Business: Licenses, Permits, and Planning<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Marijuana business licenses and permits are essential for legal cannabis operations in states where it’s permitted. To start a cannabis business<\/span>, entrepreneurs must first obtain general business licenses and meet additional requirements specific to the cannabis industry<\/span>. These include state cannabis licenses, extensive background checks<\/span>, and possibly additional local permits depending on the location.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

As of 2025, only six states (Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Wyoming) have no legal form of cannabis. All other states have legalized some type of cannabis use and production.<\/p>\n

Even in states with legal marijuana use<\/a>, commercial cannabis activity is heavily regulated. Licensing requirements vary depending on the state, the nature of the business, and the county or city.<\/p>\n

Just like a bookstore<\/a>, a coffee shop<\/a>, or any other small business<\/a>, you’ll first need the standard business licenses. Plus, would-be cannabis entrepreneurs must pass other application reviews and background checks. All legal marijuana states require a state cannabis business license.<\/p>\n

This article covers the general requirements for starting a business and additional factors for new cannabis businesses. There’s a lot to keep track of \u2014 if you need help, consider contacting a cannabis business attorney<\/a> in your state. They know the state regulations inside and out, and how those regulations interact with federal law.<\/p>\n

General Business Requirements<\/h2>\n

A cannabis business is no different than any other type of business. Before you can apply for a cannabis license, you must go through the general steps of starting a business, including:<\/p>\n