The OLCC Resumes Processing New Marijuana License Applications

The Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission (OLCC) has resumed processing of new marijuana Retailer, Wholesaler, and Processor license applications submitted after June 15, 2018.

As many of you know, the OLCC “paused” processing new license applications back in 2018 due to their workload capacity issues.  In other words, they did not have enough employees to process new Retailer, Wholesaler, and Processor applications.  They decided to focus on the backlog of applications in their queue and license transfer issues.  Now the new OLCC staff is trained and ready to process new applications.

The OLCC is reaching out to Retailer, Wholesaler, and Processor applicants who submitted applications after June 15, 2018.  They want to see how many of the applicants still want to move forward with the application process. If they are ready, the investigator assigned to their application will ask them to fill out the Ready for Assignment form.  After that the applicant has 60 days to finalize their application.  If they have not completed everything necessary to be licensed, their application will be placed on “hold. “  See Oregon Administrative Rule  845-025-1135 https://secure.sos.state.or.us/oard/viewSingleRule.action?ruleVrsnRsn=277592

New Retailer, Wholesaler, and Processor applications will be processed in the order that they are received.  Remember, the OLCC will work through all of the applications they received between June 15, 2018 and November 8, 2021 first.  We should know sometime in December how many of the “paused” applicants still want to move forward.  That will provide everyone a timeline on the OLCC review of newly submitted applications.

New Producer applications will not be accepted until January 2, 2022, when the Senate Bill 218, which mandated the OLCC not accept new Producer applications, is repealed.  However, the Oregon Legislature meets again starting in February 2022 and the OLCC has stated they will ask the Legislature to pass another ban on new Producer Licenses.  We expect to see a number of Producer applications submitted in early January to beat any potential reinstatement of a ban.

Change of Ownership applications will be negatively impacted by the new OLCC work schedule.  If you are planning to sell or buy a license, the timeline for approval will be longer than in the recent past.  Plan accordingly and draft agreements accordingly.

We can help navigate you through the “new” (and improved?) OLCC process.  Remember, 60 days can go by a lot faster than you think.  Call 503-234-2694 or email today to make an appointment.