Oregon entrepreneurs have submitted nearly 900 applications for the state’s recreational cannabis business licenses.
As of April 19, data from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission listed the following totals:
- 610 recreational producer licenses
- 155 recreational retailer licenses
- 70 recreational processor licenses
- 43 recreational wholesaler licenses
- Five laboratory licenses
- One research certificate
That adds to 884 total completed applications. There are an additional 409 applications in “draft” form.
Oregon has been operating a recreational marijuana market since October, after lawmakers passed emergency legislation to allow medical dispensaries to sell flower and clone products to adults. Many dispensaries that opted in to the temporary recreational market are likely to pursue a recreational license, according to a Marijuana Business Daily report.
Oregon marijuana laws don’t limit the number of business licenses that the state can award, so every legitimate and completed application should be successful.
The Oregon legislature recently opened up the cannabis market to out-of-state investors. With licenses expected to be awarded within the next few weeks, out-of-state cannabis companies have been eyeing the Oregon market for potential expansion opportunities. Colorado companies Sweet Leaf, Mary’s Medicinals and Dixie Elixirs have all announced interest in the Oregon market, according to The Oregonian‘s Noelle Crombie.
The Oregon market is not without its pitfalls, however, evidenced by Harborside Health Center’s — one of California’s flagship medical cannabis companies — pulling out of the state entirely this month to refocus its efforts on the California market.