The U.S. Virgin Islands’ (USVI) first cannabis license application window is now open and set to close on June 13, 2025. The application window is open specifically for applicants seeking to obtain cultivation and micro-cultivation licenses. Submitted applications will be scored, and a limited number of cultivation licenses will ultimately be awarded, making the USVI cannabis market a competitive one. Cannabis cultivation licenses will be allocated based on the following island-specific caps: St. Croix – 15 licenses; St. John – 5 licenses; and St. Thomas – 15 licenses. Meanwhile, micro-cultivation licenses are designed for small-scale growers, and, as such, these licenses are not subject to similar license limits. Micro-cultivation licensees will be allowed to cultivate up to 50 flowering cannabis plants and 200 immature plants simultaneously.
The USVI Office of Cannabis Regulation (OCR) is the regulatory body that oversees the USVI cannabis market. The OCR met with industry stakeholders last month to clarify the cannabis license application process for cultivation and micro-cultivation license applicants. The OCR has attempted to promptly roll out the application process, but technical setbacks have held up the initial weeks of the application process. Delays have led to a two-part application, with one phase consisting of basic applicant information and attestations, and a second phase for business, operational, and compliance plans. Both phases must be completed by the time the application window closes on June 13, 2025.
As mentioned, the USVI cannabis cultivation license application process is merit-based, and qualified social equity applicants will be eligible to receive crucial bonus points. In addition to other application requirements, applicants are required to submit written plans that are subject to a 1,000 point scoring system. Notably, the OCR has not provided formatting guidelines or length limits for these sections; instead, the OCR has said that regulators expect to be “impressed” by submissions. The point breakdown for the eight scored sections are as follows: (1) Business Plan – 150 points; (2) Cultivation Plan – 150 points; (3) Suitability of the Cultivation Facility – 150 points; (4) Employee Training Plan – 50 points; (5) Security Plan and Recordkeeping Plan – 150 points; (6) Product Safety and Labeling Plan – 150 points; (7) Emergency Plan – 50 points; and (8) Social Equity Plan Eligibility – 150 points. It is important to note that there is also a residency requirement, and several other requirements, such as a source of funds requirement and a requirement that applicants already have control over the proposed premises.
Additionally, the ownership of multiple license types is allowed, making vertical integration possible for applicants who are awarded a cultivation license. Application windows for the other cannabis license types are expected to open throughout 2025. Click here for more information on USVI cultivation licenses, here for information on USVI dispensary licenses, here for information on how to open a dispensary in the USVI, and here for information on USVI manufacturing licenses.
Experience will prove to be the key to success in the USVI competitive cannabis market. Reach out to our team to find out how we can help you submit a winning application!
