Virgin Islands Releases Cannabis Cultivation Application Requirements
The Cultivation & Micro-Cultivation License Window Is Open
The U.S. Virgin Island’s competitive cannabis license application window is now open and set to close on June 6, 2025. This first window is open for Cultivation Licenses and Micro-Cultivation Permits, with periods for other cannabis license types expected to open throughout 2025. The limited cultivation licenses will be awarded through a graded, merit-based process, which is expected to be highly competitive. The cannabis market in the U.S. Virgin Islands allows for the ownership of multiple license types, making vertical integration possible for selected cultivation license winners.
USVI OCR’s Application Updates—Still A Work in Progress
The USVI Office of Cannabis Regulation (OCR) met with industry stakeholders on April 8th and 10th to clarify the license application process for Cultivation and Micro-Cultivation applicant businesses and individuals. The OCR is clearly making their best effort to roll out this new program, but technical setbacks have held up the initial weeks of the application process. Delays have led to a two-part application, with one stage consisting of basic applicant information and attestations and a second stage for business, operational, and compliance plans. Both stages must be completed by June 6th, 2025.
The Latest USVI Cultivation License Application Requirements
The requirements for licensure can be found in the Virgin Island’s statutory and regulatory language, but state is not planning to release a separate application instruction guide. While this may leave applicants uncertain about the specific application requirements and qualifications, Canna Advisors can provide expert guidance throughout the submission process to make sure you’re on the right track.
Our approach to these applications is structured across three parts:
1) General Requirements for Cultivation Licensees
The Virgin Island’s cannabis cultivation licenses will be awarded based on a Merit-Based Application Process and include bonus points for qualified social equity applicants. Applicants are required to disclose ownership and identify a Licensed Premises, as well as disclose and demonstrate sufficient financial resources to operate the business through bank statements, lines of credit, or similar.
2) License Application Process for Cultivation Licensees
Cultivation licenses will be evaluated and issued via a Merit-Based process, even if there is only one applicant for an available license, meaning that all applications must submit a thorough and well-written application that meets every requirement. Cultivation applicants will have to submit a background check authorization (performed at a later stage), capitalization table, proof of residency, business registration, diagram of the licensed premises, and of course, the required application fee.
3) Merit-Based Selection Process for Cultivation Licenses
Along with the above requirements, applicants must submit written plans that are subject to a a one-thousand (1,000) point scoring system. The USVI OCR hasn’t provided formatting guidelines or length limits for these sections and has said they expect to be “impressed” by applicant submissions.
The points expected to be awarded for each of the eight (8) sections are as follows:
- Business Plan (150 points)
- Cultivation Plan (150 points)
- Suitability of the Cultivation Facility (150 points)
- Employee Training Plan (50 points)
- Security Plan and Recordkeeping Plan (150 points)
- Product Safety and Labeling Plan (150 points)
- Emergency Plan (50 points)
- Social Equity Plan Eligibility (150 points)
Submit A USVI Application Successfully With Canna Advisors
Proven Experience Will Pay Off
Navigating the Virgin Islands’ complex and ever-evolving cannabis license application process demands strategy, precision, and experience. With a proven track record of successfully guiding cannabis clients through competitive, merit-based licensing processes across the U.S. states and territories, the Canna Advisors’ team is uniquely positioned to help applicants stand out in this competitive USVI cannabis licensing round.
Tap Into Our Comprehensive Consulting Services
From crafting business plans and cultivation plans to ensuring full regulatory compliance and social equity alignment, we offer comprehensive cannabis consulting support tailored to your goals. With the June 6 deadline approaching and no room for error, partnering with Canna Advisors means putting your best application forward—built to impress, backed by expertise, and structured for success.
Reach out to our USVI application team or book an hourly consultation to get started.