If you’re looking to obtain a cannabis license, then there are a number of considerations to keep in mind as you go through the steps. Focusing on organizing your documents, staying up to date with the current requirements, and being aware of processing times are simple tips to help you prepare for licensure. On top of that, we have a number of specific tips that will help give you the best chance of license approval.
At AAPS, our expert instructors of cannabis professionals provide best-in-class education and training for the cannabis industry. Whether you want to work as a sales rep in-store or you’re interested in quality assurance, our instructors will help you gain the proper certification and knowledge to succeed in your role. Continue reading to learn more about the industry and what it takes to ensure that a cannabis license gets approved.
1. Prioritize Compliance After Earning a Cannabis Education
Compliance is arguably the most important aspect of gaining licensure. With any cannabis business, all processes and procedures must comply with current standards of practice and applicable regulations. You should ensure that you stay informed about the relevant legislation around cannabis at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels to identify any red flags that may result in the rejection of your licensure application. The cannabis education program at AAPS consists of 13 online courses designed to help you become a true professional in cannabis regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and operations.
Compliance is integral after a cannabis education to gain a cannabis license.
2. Lead with Honesty and Openness
When submitting your application to Health Canada, look out for a number of opportunities to provide open and honest information about your business. This may include:
- Personal information
- Employee information
- Information on investors and parent companies
- Details on your corporate structure
- Your site location
- The methods and procedures you plan to use on site
Withholding any of the required information may result in application delays and even rejections due to lack of details or misleading information. While some may think less information for Health Canada to sift through may speed up the application process, it may actually result in the opposite.
Withholding information may result in a rejected license.
3. Don’t Leave Out Any Information on Your Application
Wherever the application provides an opportunity for you to be honest about your business, take it. Additionally, you’ll want to revisit each section of the application a number of times to reread the requests, ensure all fields are complete and identify any areas where information is missing. If you submit an application that is incomplete, then you may receive a rejection and have to start the process over again. While this may seem redundant or time-consuming, it’s an important tip to keep in mind after cannabis training, since it could prevent your application from being returned without the desired outcome.
4. Make Sure Your Application Elements Are Completed On Time
Different elements make up the application for cannabis licensure, and completing each step in a timely manner will help you gain licensure and continue with your business according to schedule. For example, the site evidence portion of the licensure application is a key element that requires preparation, scheduling, and resources to complete on time. This consists of compiled video and photographic footage of particular elements of your business site and must be received by Health Canada within 10 days of submitting your initial application.
Photos and videos need to be included as part of your cannabis license application.
5. Become Familiar with Associated Costs
Various costs arise when applying for cannabis licensure, including different fees for different types of licenses. Whether you need a nursery license, a sales license, a cultivator license, or another, will determine the fees you’ll need to pay for licensing. Being aware of the costs of each, as well as the costs associated with running your site, will help you best plan for optimal operations following an approved license. Once you are up and running with the proper license, your education from AAPS will help you keep your business up to standards for a rewarding and satisfying career.
Interested in starting cannabis courses?
Contact AAPS for more information.