Deadline: June 15, 2018
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) recently announced it will no longer actively process new recreational marijuana license applications and renewals received after June 15, 2018. Any applications for recreational marijuana submitted after June 15 will be set aside for processing until the OLCC processes outstanding applications and renewals in the queue.
What Does This Mean?
Essentially, the OLCC is backlogged. To relieve this backlog, the OLCC will temporarily shift licensing staff to focus solely on the following:
- Renewals for recreational marijuana licensing for current licensees
- Applications submitted prior to the deadline for new recreational marijuana licensees
- Registrations for medical marijuana licensees that are required to start using Oregon’s Cannabis Tracking System (CTS) by July 1, 2018
The pause will allow the OLCC to fulfill its regulatory duties, provide timely responses to current registered marijuana businesses and focus on the CTS registration of medical marijuana growers. Refer to a previous blog post regarding Medical Marijuana Growers CTS Compliance.
Oregon, unlike Washington, didn’t cap the number of new licenses it was willing to accept nor did the OLCC place filing deadlines on applications, until now. If you are looking to apply for a new license in Oregon, time is running out. If your application isn’t complete, it may be best to turn in what you have and hope you can supplement through the licensing process. The OLCC did not indicate when it will again accept new licenses.
Time is of the essence.
For additional information regarding this pause, visit the OLCC website. If you need assistance or advice, contact Attorney Lindsey Weidenbach, at JDSA Law