Cannabis Advisory Board Sets Lower Fees for Sacramental Use, Establishes Commercial Cultivation Tiers

Amid technical issues, the board voted to set a $500 annual fee for sacramental cannabis organizations and approved tiered licensing fees for commercial growers. A temporary licensing process will be used to start issuing licenses in 2025

Despite Monday's meeting of the Cannabis Advisory Board being interrupted by technical issues, members were still able to vote on fees for organizations that wish to grow cannabis for sacramental use, as well as cultivation license fees for different levels of commercial cannabis growers. The fee for sacramental organizations, which must have at least 10 members to qualify for registration, was initially bruited as $1,000, the same as a micro cultivation permit. However, board member Positive Nelson pointed out that for the same license fee, sacramental organizations would not be able to generate revenue from the sale of cannabis, while micro cultivators would be able to recoup their fee and earn revenue. At first, the suggestion was to reduce the proposed fee for sacramental organizations to $750. However, Mr. Nelson moved that it be lowered to $500 because “the Rasta community has been the main victims of the inequitable persecution of cannabis laws….This is, in our way, our giving some level of reparations,” he argued.

Board members agreed, voting unanimously to establish the fee for sacramental organizations at $500 per year. As Office of Cannabis Regulation Director Joanne Moorehead explained, a sacramental organization wishing to make cannabis sales is always welcome to apply for – and receive – a micro cultivation permit in addition to their permit for sacramental use.