New Cannabis Business Licensing Opportunities

The cannabis industry is expanding in your area! 2020 has been a year of change – our economy has taken a hit and businesses across the country have suffered greatly. Amid the pandemic, the cannabis industry has remained resilient, producing a wave of record-breaking sales .

While under lockdown, cannabis businesses were recognized as “essential” in almost every legal/medical state, allowing the industry to stay operational and preserve thousands of jobs. Currently, more states are turning to medical and/or adult-use cannabis as a source of job creation and revenue. As a result, there is a rare opportunity to secure cannabis business licenses in your area.

The process of securing a cannabis business license can be very competitive, complex, and detail-oriented. Developing your business plan in advance will produce a strong and convincing application. To date, Catalyst-BC Cannabis Consulting has helped secure over 43 licenses for cultivation, manufacturing, and retail throughout the US and designed over 3 million square feet of efficient and sustainable operations space. Our team has a proven track record of success and operational experience that can support every facet of your cannabis business.

Let Catalyst-BC help you secure a cannabis license in your state!

Additional Resources

Consulting Services For Cannabis, Hemp, Psilocybin, and Natural Medicine

Testimonials and Public Relations

Latest Articles

Open a Cannabis Consumption Lounge in New Jersey: Getting Started Guide
New Jersey’s adult-use law allows “cannabis consumption areas,” but only as an endorsement to existing licenses. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) decided not to create a new license class; instead, licensed Class 5 retailers (or permitted medical dispensaries) can apply for a Consumption Area Endorsement to their facility. This means only approved dispensaries (currently still coming online in NJ) can add a 21+ onsite use room. Applications for consumption area endorsements opened in January 2025.
Open a Cannabis Lounge in New Mexico: Licensing & Compliance Guide
New Mexico’s Cannabis Regulation Act (2021) explicitly authorizes On-Site Consumption Area licenses (often called “consumption lounge” permits) under the NM Cannabis Control Division (CCD). The CCD issues two types of permits: Type I (non-smoking, edibles/vapor) and Type II (smoking allowed). A consumption area license lets a venue legally serve non-infused snacks/beverages and allow consumption of cannabis products by patrons age 21+. These can be standalone lounges or add-ons to other licensees (e.g. a dispensary or restaurant that obtains a consumption license).
New York Cannabis Lounge License: Guide to Compliance and Success
New York State law provides for adult-use on-site consumption licenses under the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). As of 2025, New York is still in the early stages of issuing these licenses; only a handful of trial licenses have been granted. The Cannabis Law caps investment (no person can hold more than 3 consumption licenses) and prohibits vertical integration: lounge licensees cannot also hold dispensary, cultivation, or processor licenses. This was done to ensure lounges operate solely as consumption venues, not as sales outlets. Learn how to navigate the rules to successfully apply for your lounge license.
U.S. Virgin Islands Cannabis Consumption Lounge Getting Started Guide
The U.S. Virgin Islands legalized adult-use cannabis in 2023, and its regulators have explicitly created consumption lounge permits. Under the Virgin Islands Cannabis Regulatory Advisory Board’s rules (approved April 2024), a qualified operator can obtain an Adult-Use Lounge Permit. This permit allows on-site cannabis consumption by adults 21+ in a designated area. Unlike many states, the USVI permits both smoking and non-smoking lounges, provided you choose the correct permit type.
Nevada Cannabis Lounge License Guide: What You Need to Know
Nevada has enthusiastically embraced consumption lounges. In 2021, Governor Sisolak signed AB 341 authorizing the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board (CCB) to license cannabis consumption lounges. After extensive stakeholder work, the CCB approved final regulations in late 2023. Lounges are split into two types: Retail Lounges (operated by licensed dispensaries or microbusinesses) and Independent Lounges (standalone sites).
Are Missouri Cannabis Lounges Legal? Here’s What Entrepreneurs Need to Know
Missouri’s adult-use legalization (Amendment 3, 2022) did not establish any state license for cannabis lounges. Consequently, there is no state-regulated consumption lounge for recreational cannabis at this time. Instead, an underground network of private, membership-only clubs has emerged.