Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) officials on July 19 released the names of 16 adult cannabis cultivation license applicants they plan to move forward with in a review process.
The announcement came a week after the 16 companies were approved by the state’s Social Equity Council to satisfactorily meet the requirements set forth by state law to qualify for the Area of Affection type of cultivation license Disproportionate (DAY).
Selected from a pool of 41 applications, from a single application period of three months, social equity licensees must own or control at least 65% of the qualifying business, as well as meet the income and residency requirements established by law. Specifically, individuals who have applied for licenses must have resided aa There for at least five of the last 10 years or at least nine years before the age of 18.
“These important steps mean that Connecticut’s cannabis cultivation will be operated primarily by people from those communities identified as disproportionately affected by the war on drugs, who qualified as social equity applicants.” Governor Ned Lamont said in a DCP Press release Tuesday.
“While much work remains to be done, we are establishing Connecticut as a leader in addressing the inequities and injustices caused by cannabis prohibition,” he said. “We are ensuring that the most disadvantaged communities have the opportunity to be leaders in this newly regulated industry.”
DIA companies that were approved by the Social Equity Council and have been contacted by DCP officials for the next steps in the review process include:
CT Plant Based Compassionate Care LLCInsa CT LLCShangri-La DispensarySoulstar CT LLCNova Farms Connecticut LLCThe Flower House LLCFFD 149 LLCThe Yard Connecticut LLCQuinnipiac Valley Growth Partners LLCImpact Initiatives LLCMariMed CTP LLCConnecticut Cultivation Solutions LLC The Flower House LLCFFD 149 LLC The Yard Connecticut LLC
The 16 applicants and their sponsors have been asked to submit additional information for a mandatory background check to be conducted by a third-party processing company. DCP’s review of applications is expected to take several weeks.
Once background checks and DCP reviews are completed, qualified applicants can pay the appropriate fees and move forward with the next phase of licensing, including establishing their business on a DAY to operate.
“I’m proud of the work the council has done to get to this point in the process, while maintaining a commitment to equity and inclusion, as well as future reinvestment in the communities most harmed by the war on drugs,” he said. said the Deputy Commissioner of the DCP, Andréa. Comer, who serves as president of the Social Equity Council. “We’re excited for what’s next and to see how these companies thrive in this new market.”
Adult cannabis legalization was approved by the state legislature and signed by Lamont in June 2021. Commercial retail sales are expected to begin in late 2022.