Pennsylvania Marijuana License

Pennsylvania's Medical Marijuana Act took effect in 2016. The Department of Health regulates the program and issues permits to grower/processors and dispensaries.

Adult-use cannabis is not legal. Legalization bills have been introduced in the General Assembly, but none has passed. Permits are capped by law, so new businesses usually enter by acquiring or partnering with an existing permit holder.

• Grower/Processor permit: capped at 25 statewide; up to five may also hold dispensary permits
• Dispensary permit: each permit allows up to three locations
• Clinical registrants: grower/processor and dispensary partnerships with academic research centers

• Proof of $2 million in capital, with $500,000 on deposit (grower/processors)
• Security, diversion control and zoning compliance
• Diversity plan and community impact
• Background checks for principals and employees

• Grower/Processor: $10,000 nonrefundable application fee and $200,000 permit fee (refunded if not granted)
• Dispensary: separate application and permit fees set by statute

1. Watch for the Department of Health to open a permit phase.
2. Prepare the application, including capital, security, zoning and diversity documentation.
3. Submit with fees during the window; applications are scored.
4. Permit holders complete training and inspections before operating.

• Sales only to registered patients and caregivers
• Dry leaf for vaporization is allowed; smoking is not
• Seed-to-sale tracking and lab testing are required

• Pennsylvania resident with a serious medical condition, including chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, cancer, epilepsy, MS and others on the state list
• Certification from a practitioner registered with the program

1. Register with the Medical Marijuana Registry online.
2. Get certified by a registered practitioner.
3. Pay the ID card fee and buy at any medical dispensary.