Canada Cannabis Manufacturing License Types

Considering Canada cannabis manufacturing license types? You’ve come to the right place!

Canada cannabis manufacturing license types are important to consider as you’re preparing to apply to become a licensed cannabis producer. The type of license you need will be based on the size and scale of your cannabis manufacturing operation, as well as the type of product(s) you’re looking to produce.

Keep reading for more insight into Canada cannabis manufacturing license types and answers to the most frequently asked questions about these licenses.

Canada Cannabis Processing Licenses

A Canada cannabis processing license allows holders to:

• have all kinds of cannabis

• process cannabis into wholesale or bulk and packaged/labeled products

• perform analytic testing on cannabis

• perform research and development within their authorized activities, like new processing procedure development (extraction methods, formulation).

The processing license also permits post-harvesting activities, including:

• drying

• trimming

• milling

• packaging and labeling

• THC and CBD extraction to create cannabis extracts

• processing cannabis into topicals, edibles, and extracts

Micro-processing Licence

Micro-processing licenses allow manufacturers to produce various kinds of cannabis products. However, they’re not able to produce cannabis synthetically using chemical reactions or recombinant bacteria.

License holders are allowed to have up to 600 kilograms of dried cannabis flower annually. However, this won’t apply to the licensee if the cannabis possessed is grown with a micro-cultivation license for that location.

Loving this post? Make sure to check out our other article on which software is used for MRP before you leave!

Standard Processing License

Standard processing licenses let licensees produce all kinds of cannabis. There’s no limitation on cannabis possession, meaning these licensees can possess any amount of cannabis on-site.

Cannabis Drug License

The cannabis drug license lets licensees work with products containing cannabis. These licensees are allowed to have cannabis, produce products that contain it, and sell or distribute products that contain cannabis.

However, licensees must follow the Food and Drug Regulations. This includes but isn’t limited to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements if producing something that contains cannabis. Some licensees need a drug establishment license (DEL) to operate, too.

What is an ACMPR License?

The Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations act allows people to register for access to medical cannabis. This ACMPR license differs from other Canadian cannabis manufacturing licenses. Newly registered people can register with Health Canada-licensed producers using a copy of their Health Canada registration certificate.

This lets license holders get starting materials like seeds and plants, encouraging immediate production and allowing them to obtain an interim supply of dried or fresh cannabis or cannabis oil as they’re waiting for their plants to mature.

Canada Cannabis License FAQ

How many micro-cultivation licenses are there in Canada?

Canada has 200 micro-cultivation licenses. Out of the 200, 147 are stand-alone micro-cultivation licenses. However, 22 are stand-alone micro-processing licenses. There are also 31 dual micro-cultivation and micro-processing licenses.

What is a micro-cultivation license?

Licensees holding a micro-cultivation license can grow up to 200 square meters of cannabis; up to 600 kilograms of dried cannabis if the licensee holds a processing license. Micro-cultivation licenses in Canada are also excellent for small businesses that are operating with fewer employees and smaller budgets.

Can I sell with ACMPR license?

Licensed producers holding the ACMPR license can grow and sell cannabis plants and seeds to anyone registered with Health Canada. Thus, they’re also allowed to cultivate medical cannabis for personal consumption.

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