Firm Finalizing Nearby Medical Marijuana Plant License Application

The owner of Fairfield-based Greenbelt Management, who hopes to become one of three medical marijuana producers granted a license under the state's new acquisition process and set up shop at Middletown's North End factory building, is in the final stages of preparing his application.

"We've cleared all zoning hurdles and the bulk of our application is complete so we are taking a little time to polish and further flesh out the bonus point segments outlined in the request for application, such as our intentions for research programs, compassionate care, and various partnerships," says Jason Nickerson, principal of Greenbelt.

He's also making sure the 15,000 square foot space at the City of Middletown-owned Remington Rand building at 180 Johnson Street is fully prepared to start growing medical marijuana if the state Department of Consumer Protection green lights his business plan.

"We are also finalizing our facility design specifications down to the level of selecting door hardware and are developing a construction critical path so that we will be ready to act very quickly if we are granted a license," he says.  

The deadline for license requests, along with a non-refundable application fee, is Nov. 15. Connecticut's final medical marijuana regulations took effect on Sept. 6.

The Department of Consumer Protection medical marijuana website, which is updated frequently with new information, says no applications have been received as of Oct. 10.

Connecticut's producer and dispensary licensing procedures are outlined in a 12-page request for application process that followings strict guidelines based on an objective system, which allows the chance to earn a total of 2,650 points, 300 of which are above and beyond the licensing issue threshold and considered "bonus."

Points are earned for the applicant's business information (250), location and site plan (250), proposed business plan (500), proposed marketing plan (250), financial statements and organizational structure (500), agricultural and production experience (250), product and site safety (200) and marijuana transport (150).

The Department of Consumer Protection will award bonus points for preferred but not required initiatives: an employee working environment plan, community benefits plan, substance abuse prevention plan and environmental plan.

For producers, the DCP charges a $25,000 non-refundable application fee and $75,000 license fee, with renewals at $75,000. Dispensaries application fees are $1,000, registration, $5,000; with renewals at $5,000. All funds are non-refundable.

In August, Middletown's common council became the second municipality in Connecticut to green-light a lease for Greenbelt's proposed medical marijuana grow house. That lease is contingent on the firm being awarded one of the three licenses issued by the DCP upon which Greenbelt will pay $25,000 to the city of Middletown as a non-refundable lease fee.

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