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Medical Marijuana Dispensaries: How to Apply or Renew

New Application  Renewal

If you have questions about the application or renewal process, please contact us at medmj.dispensaries@dhsoha.state.or.us or (971) 673-1234. Phone lines are open between 12:00 - 4:00 PM Monday through Friday.

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NEW DISPENSARY APPLICATION

Read through the entire "New Dispensary Application" section on this page to learn about the application process and the information you will need to apply. Also, review the rules governing Oregon medical marijuana dispensaries. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to common questions.

BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING BEFORE YOU APPLY

  • Primary Person Responsible for Dispensary (PRD) - You must designate a Primary PRD when you apply. The Primary PRD is the person designated by the owner of the dispensary as the primary point of contact for the program, and is the person authorized to receive all communications and legal notices from the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP, the Program). This person is the primary point of contact regarding all aspects of an application and eventual registration.
  • 1,000 feet from school or other dispensary - Check your proposed dispensary address with the Oregon School Locator Map​ on the OLCC website. This tool is located about half way down the page and helps check if your proposed location meets the required 1,000 foot radius from a school* or other registered dispensary. It does not guarantee your location meets the requirements in OAR 333-008-1110. You must also conduct a vicinity survey observation to check for any possibly non-mapped schools and then complete the School Proximity Form. Final determination is made by the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program.

    • * State law allows that a dispensary may be allowed to reside within 1000 feet from a school if it meets very specific circumstances (See ORS 475C.840​ for specifics). If applicable, you may contact the program for additional information regarding this determination after reviewing these conditions.

  • Information needed - You will need the following to complete the initial online application:
    • Physical and mailing address of proposed dispensary
    • Name, address, phone number and email address for each PRD, owner, or individual who has a financial interest as described in OAR 333-008-0010(38).
    • Valid, government-issued photo identification for each PRD listed on the application, which could be a State Driver's License, State Identification Card, Passport or U.S. Military ID
    • Oregon Secretary of State business name and registration number (active or pending under application)
  • Payment of fees -
    • Application and registration fees:
      A fee of $4000, which includes a $3500 registration fee and a $500 non-refundable application fee, must be paid with five business days from the time that you submit your application. When you submit your application, you will be emailed a payment link to access the secure online payment portal. Payment can only be made with a credit card, debit card, or by pre-paid debit card which are available for purchase at many stores. Registration fees may only be refunded under the conditions stated in OAR 333-008-1030(5) to OAR 333-008-1030(6)​.
    • Cannabis Tracking System (CTS) fees:
      A fee of $480 annually must be paid in order for a registration to be issued upon approval. For more information please visit the Cannabis Tracking System section of the Medical Marijuana Program FAQs webpage.
    • Background Check fees:
      A separate $35 fee must be paid for each individual listed on the application. Visit the Background Check page for forms and additional information.​

 STEP 1. Submitting a Medical Marijuana Dispensary Application

Before applying please be familiar with rules related to medical marijuana dispensaries found under Division 8.  

  • Request an application by emailing: medmj.dispensaries@odhsoha.oregon.gov
  • ​Once the application is complete return it to OMMP. An inspector will reach out to you with instructions on how to pay the registration and application fees. You have five business days to make your registration and application fee payment, otherwise your application will be voided.​

 STEP 2. Pay Application Fee

  • Pay the $4000 fee, which includes a $3500 registration fee and a $500 non-refundable application fee. You must pay the fee within five business days of being sent the payment information. The link is to a secure online payment portal and you will receive a confirmation email after your payment is accepted.
  • Your payment must be received before we can process your application.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Additional fees will need to be paid for separately. For background check requests and fee payments, see Step 4, below. A Cannabis Tracking System (CTS) user fee of $480 will need to be paid once your dispensary is registered. 

You have successfully submitted an initial application. Next, complete steps 3 and 4.

 STEP 3. Submit Required Documents

Once the initial application has been successfully submitted, we will notify the Primary PRD in writing that the required documents must be received at our offices within 30 calendar days from the date the written notice is sent.

See "Required Documents" below for a list of all required documents.

HOW TO SUBMIT DOCUMENTS

Documents may be emailed to medmj.dispensaries@odhsoha.oregon.gov or mailed the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, Oregon Health Authority, Attn: Compliance Unit PO Box 14450, Portland, OR 97293.

All required documents must be received at our offices within 30 calendar days of the date the OMMP mailed the notice to the applicant that the initial application was received. If mailed, postmark dates are not considered, only the date on which the documents are received at our offices.​

 STEP 4. Submit Background Check Request

A separate $35 fee must be paid for each individual listed on the application. Visit the Background Check page for forms and additional information.​

TIP: Be sure to include your MMD# on every item sent to the OMMP program. Items submitted without an MMD# will not be matched to an application.

  1. For each individual named in the application:
      • A legible copy of the individual’s valid, government issued photographic identification that includes last name, first name and date of birth. This could be a State Driver's License, State Identification Card, Passport or U.S. Military ID;
      • Information, fingerprints and fees required for a criminal background check in accordance with OAR 333-008-2020; and
      • An pdf iconIndividual History Form and any information identified in the form that is required to be submitted.
  2. A written statement from an authorized official of the local government that the proposed location of the dispensary is not located in an area that is “zoned for residential use” as that term is defined in OAR 333-008-0010.
      • You must obtain an email or a letter from the authorized official of the local jurisdiction which states the zone of the proposed location and the outright allowed land use types in that zone;
      • Screen captures of online zoning maps do not satisfy this requirement;
      • For the purposes of these rules, the term “zoned for residential use” means that the only primary use allowed outright in the designated zone is residential.
  3. Proof that the business is registered or has filed an application to register as a business with the Oregon Office of the Secretary of State, including proof of registration for any DBA (doing business as) registration.
  4. Completed and signed School/Dispensary Proximity Affirmation Form documenting that the proposed location of the dispensary is not within 1,000 feet of:
      • A building where a public prekindergarten or kidergarten program is provided by a school district or an education service district;
      • The real property comprising a public, parochial, or private elementary or secondary school, except as provided in ORS 475C.840; or
      • A registered dispensary.
  5. A scaled site plan of the parcel on which the premises proposed for registration is located, including:
      • Cardinal directional references (North, South, East, West);
      • Bordering streets and the names of the streets;
      • Identification of the building or buildings in which the proposed dispensary is to be located;
      • The dimensions of the proposed premises of the dispensary;
      • Identification of other buildings or property owned by or under the control of the applicant on the same parcel or tax lot as the premises proposed for registration that will be used in the business; and
      • Identification of any residences on the parcel or tax lot.

        NOTE: Screen captures of Google Earth/Google Maps/etc. do not satisfy this requirement, unless the scale of the map as submitted is maintained and the map can be reviewed at scale.
  6. A scaled floor plan of all enclosed areas of the premises at the proposed location that will be used in the business with clear identification of walls, partitions, counters, windows, all areas of ingress and egress, intended uses of all spaces and all limited access areas.
  7. Documentation that shows the applicant has lawful possession of the proposed location of the dispensary, such as signed lease agreement or a deed.

Review for Completeness

We will review the application for completeness after the 30-day period has lapsed. If the program does not receive all required documentation and the necessary criminal background check fees within the time frames specified above, the application will be considered incomplete.

If an application is considered incomplete due to lack of submitting all required documents, or if the documentation is insufficient, we will notify the Primary PRD in writing of the specific deficiencies. The written notice will state that you will have 10 calendar days from the date of mailing of the notice to provide the additional documentation.

If you fail to provide the additional documents within the 10 calendar days, or if any of the documents are incomplete, insufficient or otherwise do not demonstrate compliance with ORS 475C.833, OAR 333-008-1020 to 333-008-1060 and OAR 333-008-2020, the application will be declared incomplete.

The program treats an application that is declared incomplete as if it was never received. The Primary PRD is notified in writing of the determination. A new application would be required if the applicant desired to pursue registration.

Application Review

We will review the application, documents and the results of all criminal background checks to determine compliance with ORS 475C.833 and Oregon Administrative Rules. During the review process, if the Authority determines that the application or supporting documents contain intentionally false or misleading information, the Authority may return the application to the Primary PRD as incomplete, or issue a notice of denial.

Prior to making a decision on whether to approve or deny an application we must:

  1. Review the criminal background check results for each individual named on the application;
  2. Determine whether the proposed location of the dispensary is the same location as a registered grow site under OAR 333-008-0025;
  3. Review documentation submitted by the applicant to determine, based on the information provided by the applicant, whether the proposed location of the dispensary is located within 1,000 feet of:
      • A building where a public prekindergarten or kindergarten program is provided by a school district or an education service district;
      • The real property comprising a public, parochial, or private elementary or secondary school, except as provided in ORS475C.840; or
      • Another registered dispensary.
  4. Verify that the applicant is registered as a business with the Office of the Secretary of State; and
  5. Verify that the proposed location of the dispensary is not:
      • Located in an area that is “zoned for residential use”; or
      • In a city or county that has adopted an ordinance under ORS 475C.950, prohibiting dispensaries.

You will be notified in writing if the results of the application review confirm a basis for a denial.

Application Not Approved

If your application is not approved, and it is eligible for a refund*, the $3,500 registration fee will be refunded to the credit card or debt card account used for payment upon initial application and you will receive a letter explaining the reason(s) why your application was not approved. 

*Registration fees may only be refunded under the conditions stated in OAR 333-008-1030(5) and OAR 333-008-1030(6).
​

Readiness Notification

If the review of the application confirms there is no basis for denial, we will notify the Primary PRD that you have 60 calendar days to submit a Notification of Dispensary Readiness Form. The readiness form confirms that the dispensary is prepared, complies with all rules, and that you are ready for a pre-registration inspection.

  • You may request one extension of up to an additional 60 calendar days to the submit the Readiness Request Form.
  • A request for an extension must be submitted using an Extension Request for Dispensary Readiness Form, and be received by the program within the 60 calendar days specified for submitting the Notification of Dispensary Readiness Form and
  • Must explain and provide documentation that shows why you cannot, for reasons beyond your control, meet the 60-day deadline; and
  • Must specify when you believe you can submit the Notification of Dispensary Readiness Form.
  • If an extension request is approved, you will be notified in writing of the new deadline for submitting the Notification of Dispensary Readiness Form.
  • If you fail to submit the Notification of Dispensary Readiness Form or an Extension Request for Dispensary Readiness Form within the 60-day deadline, then the application will be declared incomplete. The program treats an application that is declared incomplete as if it was never received. The Primary PRD is notified in writing of the determination. A new application would be required if the applicant desired to pursue registration.

Readiness Inspection

A readiness inspection should only be requested when the proposed dispensary complies with all of OAR 333-008-1110 through 333-008-1248 and OAR 333-008-2000 through 333-008-2200.

The Program must perform a pre-registration, readiness inspection within 30 days of receiving a timely Notification of Dispensary Readiness Form. Your readiness inspection will be assigned to a Compliance Specialist who will contact you to confirm an inspection date. That Compliance Specialist will also provide you a full overview of the scope of the inspection and will forward you some example materials to be used during the inspection.

If the readiness inspection reveals non-compliance with any of the above specified rules the Program will provide the result of the inspection and may:

  • Require an applicant to perform corrective action to come into compliance within 10 business days (notice of corrective action is provided in writing); or
  • Propose to deny the application in accordance with OAR 333-008-1060; or
  • Declare the application incomplete.

Approval to Operate

If, after the readiness inspection, your Compliance Specialist determines that the applicants and premises are in compliance, the Program will provide the results of the inspection and will provide information on how to pay the Cannabis Tracking System (CTS) fee of $480. This fee is to be paid annually. 

Once the CTS fee is paid the Program will:

  • Notify the Primary PRD in writing that the dispensary may operate; and
  • Provide the Primary PRD with a certificate as proof of registration that includes a unique registration number. The certificate will be mailed to the Primary PRD at the mailing address provided in the initial application. 

A registered dispensary must at all times display proof of registration in a prominent place inside the dispensary. It must be easily visible to individuals authorized to transfer marijuana items to the dispensary, and to individuals who are authorized to receive a transfer of marijuana items from the dispensary.

​ ​​​​

RENEWAL APPLICATION

A dispensary’s registration expires one year following the date of approval, which is the date printed on your certificate. A dispensary registrant must submit an application for renewal not more than 90 but at least 30 calendar days before the registration expires.

  • A registrant who files a completed renewal application with the program prior to the expiration date of the registration may continue to operate, even after the registration expiration date, pending a decision on the renewal application by the program.
  • If a dispensary registrant does not submit a renewal application and pay the registration fees prior to the expiration date, the registration will expire and will no longer be valid.
  • Renewals will be processed in accordance with OAR 333-008-1040 to 333-008-1070, as applicable.
  • A dispensary that does not submit timely renewal documentation may be subject to the imposition of civil penalties.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If your dispensary registration has already expired, and you did not submit an application for renewal, you may not continue to operate your dispensary and the dispensary must be closed immediately. You must follow the new application process and get a new MMD#, which will be processed in the order received. This could result in your application being denied if another application for a location within 1,000 feet is submitted before yours.

Read through the entire "Renewal Application" section on this page to learn about the renewal process and the information you will need in order to renew. Also, review the rules governing Oregon medical marijuana dispensaries. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to common questions.

BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING BEFORE YOU RENEW

Information needed - Gather the following information before you renew your application online, in case changes need to be made:

  • For each individual named in the application:
    • A legible copy of the individual’s valid, government issued photographic identification that includes last name, first name and date of birth. This could be a State Driver's License, State Identification Card, Passport or U.S. Military ID;
    • Information, fingerprints and fees required for a criminal background check in accordance with OAR 333-008-2020; and
    • An Individual History Form and any information identified in the form that is required to be submitted.
  • Proof that the business is registered or has filed an application to register as a business with the Oregon Office of the Secretary of State, including proof of registration for any DBA (doing business as) registration.

Payment of fees -

  • Application and registration fees:
    A fee of $4000, which includes a $3500 registration fee and a $500 non-refundable application fee, must be paid within five (5) business days from the time that you submit your application. Payment can only be made with a credit card, debit card, or by pre-paid debit card which are available for purchase at many stores. Registration fees may only be refunded under the conditions stated in OAR 333-008-1030(5) to OAR 333-008-1030(6).
  • Background Check fees:
    A separate $35 fee must be paid for each individual listed on the application. See the Background Check page for instructions.
  • Cannabis Tracking System (CTS) fee:
    ​​​Your CTS renewal date may not coincide with your dispensary registration renewal date. A valid CTS account is required to be approved for a dispensary registration renewal. The CTS user fee of $480 must be paid annually from the date your CTS account was activated. 
​

 STEP 1. Submit Renewal Application


Dispensary application documents may be emailed to medmj.dispensaries@odhsoha.oregon.gov or mailed to the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, Oregon Health Authority, Attn: Compliance Unit PO Box 14450, Portland, OR 97293.​

 STEP 2. Submit Required Documents

The program must receive all required documents at least 30 calendar days prior to the expiration of your registration. If mailed, postmark dates are not considered, only the date on which the documents are received by the program.

See "Required Documents" below for a list of all required documents.

HOW TO SUBMIT DOCUMENTS

Documents may be:

emailed to medmj.dispensaries@odhsoha.oregon.gov 

​-OR-

mailed to the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, Oregon Health Authority, Attn: Compliance Unit PO Box 14450, Portland, OR 97293.

 STEP 3. Submit Background Check Request

A background check request must be submitted for every person listed on the application at least 30 calendar days prior to the expiration of your registration. You must submit a separate background check request and payment of $35 for each individual, as outlined on the Background Check page.

 STEP 4. Pay Fees

After submitting your application, OMMP staff will email you a payment link to pay online. You will have five business days to submit your registration and application fee payment, otherwise your application will be voided.

  • ​Pay the $4000 fee, which includes a $3500 renewal registration fee and a $500 non-refundable application fee. You must pay within five business days of receiving the link to the secure online payment portal.

  • Your payment must be received before we can process your application.

  • If your payment is not successfully processed you will need to start over with a new application or follow the instructions in the email that will be sent to you at that time.

IMPORTANT NOTE: A separate fee of $35 must be paid for each individual listed on the application. The background check fees must also be made online using the samy payment link. For more information, see the Background Check page.

The CTS user fee of $480 is due annually and your CTS payment date may or may not coincide with your registration renewal date. 

TIP: Include your MMD# on every item sent to the OMMP program. Items submitted without an MMD# will not be matched to an application.


  1. For each individual named in the application:
      • A legible copy of the individual’s valid, government issued photographic identification that includes last name, first name and date of birth. This could be a State Driver's License, State Identification Card, Passport or U.S. Military ID;
      • Information, fingerprints and fees required for a criminal background check in accordance with OAR 333-008-2020; and
      • An Individual History Form and any information identified in the form that is required to be submitted;
  2. Proof that the business is registered or has filed an application to register as a business with the Oregon Office of the Secretary of State, including proof of registration for any DBA (doing business as) registration.

HOW TO SUBMIT DOCUMENTS

Documents may be emailed to medmj.dispensaries@odhsoha.oregon.gov

- OR -

Documents may be mailed to the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, Oregon Health Authority, Attn: Compliance Unit, PO Box 14450, Portland, OR 97293.​

Application Review

Your renewal application will be reviewed according to the rules governing the registration of Oregon medical marijuana dispensaries, OAR 333-008-1040 to 333-008-1070.

Application Approved

If your renewal application is approved, the Program will mail notification of approval to the Primary PRD and will include new certificates of registration.

The annual Cannabis Tracking System (CTS) fee of $480 may be required at this time if your CTS renewal and dispensary registration renewal dates coincide. This fee is to be paid separately from the dispensary renewal fee. Registration certificates will be issued upon confirmation that the CTS account is renewed. 

A registered dispensary must at all times display proof of registration in a prominent place inside the dispensary. It must be easily visible to individuals authorized to transfer marijuana items to the dispensary, and individuals who are authorized to receive a transfer of marijuana items from the dispensary.

Application Not Approved

If your renewal application is deemed incomplete and you are eligible for a refund under OAR 333-008-1030(5) through OAR 333-008-1030(6), your $3,500 registration fee will be refunded to the same credit or debt card used for payment. You will receive a letter explaining the reason(s) your application was not approved. ​The dispensary must cease operations.