How much finished product are you looking to process?
The time is now to become a licensed cannabis producer! Health Canada introduced several new classes of cannabis cultivation licenses with the Cannabis Act (or Bill C-45). The micro-processing license is one of those updates. It pairs nicely with a micro-cultivation license, allowing holders the ability to transform their plant material into other types of finished products.
[UPDATE] Because of all the interest we get in all things micro, our experts decided do a deep dive and expand on the process in How to Get Your Micro Grow License in Canada.
The micro-processing licence comes with a processed quantity restriction of 600kg of dried product (or equivalent). All activities under this license must be conducted indoors - our facility designers are on hand to assist. Our Master Grower's proven high-density grow method will form part of the cultivation planning process we undertake with you, assuming you're interested in the cultivation side of the operation. This will be crucial to ensure that you're prepared to take advantage of every gram of material available under your license.
Health Canada wants to differentiate security requirements between a smaller micro-processor and a standard processor. Micro licenses have less stringent security and personnel requirements. Currently in Canada, license holders are permitted to produce finished product in the form of oil extraction - liquids and soft gels. Expanded finished products like edibles or infusions are on the way. These nuances can be complex. Don't risk your license. We can assist with an appropriate processing and facility plan.
Your Partner Master Grower, Shlomo Booklin
GrowerIQ's Master Grower, Shlomo Booklin, has worked as Head Grower for some of Canada's leading cannabis cultivation operations, such as Tilray and MedReleaf. Having managed the production of over 100 million plants, he has refined his growing techniques and trained others in the industry on how to produce safe for consumer, high-quality, cost-effective products. Unlike some other consulting firms, GrowerIQ brings you deep industry experience. Shlomo's 30+ years of commercial growing experience means that our experts will help craft your application submission taking into account what actually works in practice.
What should I expect during the micro-processing license application process?
Health Canada wants to ensure that you've thought out every aspect of your business, and included those plans in your application. This includes obvious areas like your physical security, cultivation, and production plans, but also extends to business organizational structure, key investors, and your facility's Standard Operating Procedures. Ensuring that your micro-processing application contains the requisite level of detail is one way to help the application process flow smoothly. The experts at GrowerIQ inform our planning process with actual comments received from Health Canada's review of previous applications.
The micro-processing license does not include provisions around enhanced security like visual monitoring devices and intrusion detection, which is targeted more specifically at the larger cultivation and processing licenses. Beyond physical security, you'll also need to identify on your application specific individuals who will fill roles for Head of Security, and Quality Assurance. A Master Grower is not required for the micro-processing license.
A significant change to the application process occurred in May 2019. Now, the Health Canada licensing process requires you to have a fully-built out facility before they will review your application.
Don't know where to begin? We can simplify the process.
The micro-processing license class has fewer stringent security (video monitoring), and personnel requirements. In exchange, you have certain limits on material you can process.
Let's discuss your project in order to determine which of the license classes best supports you. Nothing is more frustrating than spending time and money pursuing a class of license, only to find that it doesn't meet your long-term needs.
Fill out the form to the right, or send us a message via chat and we'll be in touch within 24 hours to arrange a call. Find out more about our cannabis consulting services at the Seed for Success program overview.
About GrowerIQ
GrowerIQ is changing the way producers use software - transforming a regulatory requirement into a robust platform to learn, analyze, and improve performance.
To find out more about GrowerIQ and how we can help, fill out the form to the right, start a chat, or contact us.