How to become a craft grower in Illinois? Answer: Simple, have the most compliant craft grow application maximizing point value of each exhibit. In this breakdown we specifically outline the application rules and regulations for Illinois 1st Craft Grow License.
Illinois is now open for business for recreational cannabis starting January 1st 2020. The state is quickly turning to 3 important cannabis license applications for this booming industry.
1.) Craft Grow License Application
Craft Grow applications enable businesses who are experienced in growing and manufacturing of medical and adult-use cannabis. Application fees are $5,000. However, for those who meet the requirements for a social equity application will pay $2,500, according to the release.
2.) Transportation License Application
Cannabis Transportation license applications are for businesses whom transfer products from craft grow to dispensaries. There are several other layers to this business model but successful but having a cannabis transportation license in the state of Illinois is a great step to play a meaningful role in the Illinois Cannabis Industry.
3.) Infusion License Application
Alternative methods of ingestion for THC & CBD are sown together with infusion labs who create a variety of products for the Cannabis Industry. A company who obtains an infusion license in the state of Illinois will have a massive advantage to grow as this market matures.
If selected, license holders will have an annual renewal fee of $40,000 for craft growers, $10,000 for transporters and $5,000 for infusers.
Applications will be accepted starting February 14 and are due to the state by 5 p.m. March 16 and licenses will be awarded by July 1. Those interested in navigating the highly regulated application licenses should consult with a firm who has experience not only in the cannabis security plan which in this aspect accounts for a whopping 145 points but the entire application.
A craft grower AKA cannabis cultivation facility may contain up to 5,000 square feet of canopy space on its premises for plants in the flowering state. The Department of Agriculture may authorize an increase or decrease of flowering stage cultivation space in increments of 3,000 square feet by rule based on market need, craft grower capacity, and the licensee’s history of compliance or noncompliance, with a maximum space of 14,000 square feet for cultivating plants in the flowering stage, which must be cultivated in all stages of growth in an enclosed and secure area.
I met Umbrella Security Systems at several events in which they spoke about security plans for Cannabis Dispensary Applications. Their insight provided me so much value we hired them for a social equity application. Their 50-page security plan deliverable was outstanding and not only cited every regulation by the state but its composition was that of a culture of security and transparency for new Cannabis Businesses. We look forward to using their expertise in future applications. I would highly recommend Umbrella to anyone who need help with their application.
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Illinois Craft Grow Application and Point Value Breakdown
Exhibit A-Suitability of Proposed Facility
(75 points – 25 for power, HVAC, and secure sight, 25 points for minimal impact on environment, 25 points for Operations and Practices Plan) (50 pages)
– This exhibit should be in conjunction with an architect to deliver a industry standard but COMPLIANT floor plan. It should include several elements from lighting plan, designated signs, ingress and egress with emergency exits and much more. The combination of the arcticual layout and complicance narrative is key to a sucessful exhibit. See Example of a floor plan we developed for the Dispensary Round:
Exhibit B- Employee Training and Education
(50 points) (25 for staffing plan & 25 for employee handbook) (15 pages – w/o handbook)
– Much more than an HR manual this exhibit is key to how employees are trained in health and safety & how the employer will retrain, recruit and promote.
Exhibit C- Security Plan and Record Keeping
(65 pages) (Total 145 Points) By comparison to the Illinois dispensary security plan, there is no requirement to have on-premise security guards during hours of operation. The Video Surveillance System Storage requirements are VERY different. Craft Grow Bussesnes must have BOTH 90 days of storage secured on-site & an additional 90-days of Cloud Video Surveillance Storage.
– We have an entire article written on Security Plans for Cannabis Businesses.
Exhibit D- Cultivation Plan
(75 points – 25 for steady supply of cannabis; 25 for cultivation knowledge and strain info; 25 for quality, consistency and purity)
– Are you an expert grower? This is your opportuntity to outline your knowledge of the different strands, past experience and value you can bring the Illinois Market.
Exhibit E- Product Safety and Labeling Plan
(95 points – 35 points for describing safe and accurate packaging and labeling; 35 points for plan to provide pure cannabis free of any adulterants; 25 points for testing and recall.)
– Organization, Poliy, Process and Proceedure all lead to a safe work environment and quality control of your products.
Exhibit F- Business Plan & Services Offered
(110 points – 40 points business plan, 40 points ag or horticultural experience, 30 points start up plans with assumptions) (60 pages)
– This exhibit requires high business accumen along with creativity. The high point value demands you to be through with 60 pages of real-estate.
Want a Free Application Consultation
We have significant experience in developing high point-value applications for our clients who are new or experienced Cannabis Business Operators.
Exhibit G- Evidence of Status as a Social Equity Application, if applying as a SEA
(200 points) (no page limit)
– If your unsure if you qualify as a Social Equity Applicant contact us.
Exhibit H- Labor and Employment Practices Plan
(20 points) (10 pages)
– This 10 page exhibit does tie into exhibit but breaks down further policies and should include fair labor laws that already exisit within the State of Illinois.
Exhibit I- Environmental Plan
(20 points) (10 page limit)
– With a new industry and considering this IS manufacuring of cannabis prodcuts having an innovative environmental plan is key. Schiff Hardin LLP wrote a really great article on illinois cannabis environmental plans this last month.
Exhibit J- Evidence of Status as a Veteran
(20 points )
– You must have your credentials in order for this exhibit. The US Military can take time as it relates to obtaining records so if your a vetran get your paperwork in order fast.
Exhibit K- Diversity Plan
(100 points)
-If the point value alone doesn’t tell the imporantce of diversity in Illinois then listen to Governer J.B. Pritzker said last month “We want people who have been left out and left behind to have a real opportunity to not only benefit from this new industry but to create new millionaires in the black community and the Latino community all across the state,” and
Ald. Jason Ervin (28th), the caucus chair, continued-
“We are looking to support our Black communities with funding, training and outreach during the delay to prepare them for July 2020,” Ervin said. “We will continue to have conversations with our caucus and council members until we have the solutions our community needs.”
Exhibit L- Diversity Plan
Bonus Section – Plan for Community Engagement (2 tie-breaker points 6 total points between 3x categories)
(1) community benefits plan,
(2) substance abuse prevention plan,
(3) local community/neighborhood report.
-All of our applications will include bonus sections in all categories. If a teacher says the extra credit is optional- IT NEVER IS
Exhibit M- Property Ownership documentation
No Page Limit- If you have a commercial property that is suitable for a craft grow business rennovation.
-Applicant must submit different documentation depending on Applicant’s status as the property owner. If the property of the proposed location is leased by the Applicant, Applicant must submit: a copy of the lease, confirmation of land ownership, identification of any mortgagees and/or lienholders, a written statement from property owner and/or landlord certifying consent for a craft grow facility to be operated on the premises by the applicant at least through December 31, 2021, and if applicable, verification of notification by the property owner to any and all mortgagees and/or perfected lienholders that the property is to be used as a craft grow facility at least through December 31, 2021, and consent thereto by any mortgagees and/or perfected lienholders.
If the property is not owned or currently leased by the Applicant, Applicant must submit: a written statement from property owner and/or landlord certifying consent for the applicant to lease or purchase the land for the purpose of operating a craft grow facility at least through December 31, 2021, and if applicable, verification of notification by the property owner to any and all mortgagees and/or perfected lienholders that the property is to be used as a craft grow facility at least through December 31, 2021, and consent thereto by any mortgagees and/or perfected lienholders. If the property is owned by the Applicant, Applicant must submit: confirmation of land ownership, identification of any and all mortgagees and or perfected lienholders, and if applicable, verification of notification to any and all mortgagees and/or perfected lienholders that the property is to be used as a craft grow facility at least through December 31, 2021; and consent thereto by any mortgagees and/or perfected lienholders.
Exhibit N- Notice of Proper Zoning
No Page Limit- Again, If you have a commercial property that is suitable for a craft grow business rennovation.
– Get ready for waiting in line and paperwork 🙂
Illinois State Regulations on Craft Grow Applications
We hope you’ve found this breakdown of the craft grow application useful.
Umbrella has done the necessary research to meet regulatory compliance for your marijuana grow facilityin Illinois. More importantly, our innovative team is prepared to go well above and beyond providing the minimum mandated requirements—our innovators offer you fine-tuned, dynamic and high point value applicaon development services.
Get in touch with us to learn more about our cannabis application development services.