The Division recognizes and understands the impact of fees on licensees and on the health of the industry as a whole. Senate Bill 24-076 came into effect on Aug. 7, 2024. As we shared in our Aug. 22 stakeholder meeting (recording here), the Division adopted emergency rules for initial SB 24-076 implementation. Please see the MED’s rulemaking webpage for more information on SB 24-076, fee setting, and a summary of MED FY24-25 spending authority, expenses, and operating budget.
The MED, in coordination with the Governor’s Office, has been actively exploring options to mitigate impacts on licensees. This includes the MED establishing a process for annual payments for two-year license terms created by SB 24-076, instead of one payment at the beginning of the license term. The MED is currently updating its licensing system and anticipates rolling out this functionality beginning Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. This means that beginning Monday, Sept. 9, licensees submitting initial or renewal applications for their two-year licenses will have the total cost of their application and license fees separated into two payments (“Annual Payments”), the first half being due at the time of application submission, and the second half due the following year.
A few important points:
- All license terms that were extended from one year to two years as part of SB 24-076, including Controlling Beneficial Owner and Regulated Marijuana Business licenses and permits, will be subject to Annual Payments. This will apply to new and renewal applications submitted via MED’s online licensing platform, as well as via mail-in, in-person drop off and in-person appointment.
- Annual Payments will not apply for any applications or licenses which already reflected a two year term and fee prior to SB 24-076 (for example, employee licenses).
- The Annual Payments will be an amount equal to half of the totals reflected on the current fee schedule reflected here. A new fee schedule will be added to the MED website next week to illustrate how payments will be separated.
- Consistent with past practices, please note that the submission of any new retail marijuana business application will still need to include a separate and complete check or money order payment for local licensing authorities (for the MED to route to the relevant local jurisdiction pursuant to statutory requirements).
- If for any reason the MED encounters system issues that cause delay of the functionality for Annual Payments, the MED will publish an alert on its website to notify licensees of the new effective date for Annual Payments.
Licensees who submitted applications for a two-year license term between Aug. 7, 2024, and Sept. 9, 2024 are welcome to contact Travis Haley at [email protected] to address questions related to their particular situation.
The Division appreciates the input it has received from a diverse set of stakeholders, whose significant feedback has supported the Division’s approach to the Annual Payment process and which will inform our ongoing efforts to collaborate with stakeholders to address questions and concerns and identify other initiatives to mitigate impacts on licensees.
For any questions regarding Annual Payments, please contact the Division at 303-866-3330 or use the MED Inquiry form.
