VIRGINIA, USA — The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) announced Wednesday that it would begin accepting applications from those interested in operating a dispensary in the Commonwealth.
The CCA refers to the dispensaries as "a pharmaceutical processor in Health Service Area (HSA) 1." HSA 1 covers cities and counties in Virginia, including the Shenandoah Valley, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.
The permit will allow the applicant to begin operations, including the cultivation of cannabis plants, production of cannabis products, and dispensation to qualified patients.
The cost of the application is steep at a non-refundable $18,000. The application process will include four stages:
- Submission of Applications
- Review of Applications
- Award of Conditional Approval
- Grant of a Pharmaceutical Processor Permit
Applicants who receive conditional approval will have a year to fulfill all the requirements necessary for the issuance of a permit.
The total fee of the initial permit will cost applicants $165,000.
"[HSA 1] has lacked a pharmaceutical processor due to litigation, leaving patients there without easy, local access to vital cannabis-based treatments,” said Jeremy Preiss, Acting Head and Chief Officer of Regulatory, Policy, and External Affairs. “The CCA aims to bridge this gap and provide relief to those who rely on cannabis for medical purposes."
Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on April 30. For more information, click here.
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