It's true, Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission provided a guide to the integrated license application process. We read it and realized that the structure of the exhibit information (begins on page 22) is a lot to navigate. There aren't explicit instructions for how to fulfill some of the requirements in the exhibits (this is normal for requests for application as they want you to know what information to provide) - so we've provided some recommendations for what information to provide as well as structured the exhibit information in to a checklist style format instead of the paragraph style used in the state provided guidance (we believe checklists are easier to navigate when preparing an application). And the guide they provide doesn't operate like a checklist. You can use this article as an educational resource if you're interested in Alabama's cannabis business licensing process, as a guide as you develop your integrated license application (though tough as of the publishing of this article there's only one month left to get everything together), or as a quality control checklist to compare your completed application materials against to make sure you've included everything.
This outline was specifically made for Alabama's Integrated License application which includes dispensary, cultivation, processing, and transportation licensing. If applying for any individual license type this guide won't follow the application structure but will provide some guidance for navigating the requirements.
1. No more than 5 licenses to be awarded.
2. Operate up to 5 dispensaries
3. An integrated facility license authorizes:
Annual License Fee: $50,000
For the specific guidance provided by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, see their guide to the integrated license application. This guidance document includes information about scoring. You'll see that our guide elaborates on the information provided in theAlabama Medical Cannabis Commission's guidance to give you some insight about how to sufficiently meet what they are asking for. If you are applying for a license, WE RECOMMEND downloading the following guidance document as it provides more in depth information about the license process and requirements.
Guide to Integrated License Applications
For information about some of the regulations upon which the application process is based, see this document which outlines the regulations for the Integrated License Facilities. It's important. to remember that while this list of regulations pertains to integrated licenses, there are other regulations that apply to the integrated licenses and those regulations should also be referenced as you complete the application. We've provided links to other regulations a bit further down in this outline.
Regulation of Integrated Facilities
For all communications to the department, you must use this e-mail address: applications@amcc.alabama.gov
Many states limit the amount of time during which applicants can contact the state by providing question and answer windows. Alabama is unique in that the department is allowing applicants to ask questions via email throughout the process. Take advantage of this. We suggest contacting the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission with anything you're unsure about. They're good at responding to questions and getting clarity will help guide you in correctly completing any application requirement.
Alabama has specific ownership requirements which only apply to a select set of companies. Make sure that your company meets the requirements before diving in to the arduous task of completing a competitive cannabis business application. The most notable requirements for an Integrated License application in Alabama include:
Alabama's licensing process is merit based. Merit based process is like being graded on an assignment in school. There are a limited number of licenses available, a set amount of points available for the application, and a set of criteria for getting a high score on each section. The harsh truth is that these merit based systems are not easy. They require expertise, planning and an abundance of time. Once an applicant submits all of their completed materials, Alabama will read every application, ensure it meets the basic criteria such as forms, background checks, and ownership requirements and then will move on to grading all of the operating plans and procedures to see if they're up to snuff. Highest scorers win so applicants have to have a competitive mindset. A "good enough" mindset will not suffice. We've created this guide to give some insight to the process and how to do well.
Filing requirements for cannabis businesses are extensive and complicated even when they seem simple. One of the biggest mistakes made by even the most sophisticated on cannabis business applicants is not realizing how small things like filing requirements impact the success of the application. No detail is too small, and time should be committed to verifying that the filing is done to the T. To correctly file your Integrated License application in Alabama, follow this structure:
Exhibit formatting is often overlooked and there are some tricky pieces of Alabama's formatting requirements. For instance, pages with images or that are existing files provided for proof (such as tax returns or litigation information) have to be numbered. Because of the specific requirements we advise dedicating one to two days to ensuring the format of every exhibit is done correctly. It would be a shame to receive a deficiency on the application due to formatting.
Once you complete each exhibit as outlined below, you'll have to save the documents in PDF format and name each of them according to Alabama's required naming convention:
Exhibit name example: 123_1_Resume or Curriculum Vitae of Individuals
Application Form name example: 123_Application Form
Every exhibit must have a properly formatted cover page. The requirements for the cover page include having the name of the exhibit labeled exactly as it is named in the Application guidance document provided by the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission. Here are the cover page rules, the correct names for each exhibit, and some examples.
All cover pages must have the following information.
Verification
The undersigned verifies that the information contained in this Exhibit, including any attachments thereto, is accurate and complete, based on the best available information at the date of verification.
Printed Name of Verifying Individual _________________
Title of Verifying Individual ___________________
Signature of Verifying Individual ___________________
Verification Date _________________
The exhibit title must match the title given to the exhibit in the application guidance as follows:
Exhibit 1 – Resume or Curriculum Vitae of Individuals
Exhibit 2 – Residency of Owners.
Exhibit 3 – Commercial Horticulture or Agronomic Production Experience.
Exhibit 4 – Criminal Background Check.
Exhibit 5 – Minimum Performance Bond Requirements.
Exhibit 6 – Minimum Liquid Assets Requirement.
Exhibit 7 – Demonstration of Sufficient Capital.
Exhibit 8 – Minimum Operating Capital Requirement.
Exhibit 9 – Financial Statements.
Exhibit 10 – Tax Plan.
Exhibit 11 – Business Formation Documents.
Exhibit 12 – Business License and Authorization of Local Authorities.
Exhibit 13 – Business Plan.
Exhibit 14 – Evidence of Business Relationship with Other Licensees and Prospective Licensees.
Exhibit 15 – Coordination of Information from Registered Certifying Patients.
Exhibit 16 – Point-of-Sale Responsibilities.
Exhibit 17 – Confidentiality of Patient Information.
Exhibit 18 – Money Handling and Taxes.
Exhibit 19 – Standard Operating Plans and Procedures.
Exhibit 20 – Policies and Procedures Manual.
Exhibit 21 – Production and Manufacturing Process.
Exhibit 22 – Machinery and Equipment.
Exhibit 23 – Receiving and Shipping Plan.
Exhibit 24 – Secure Transport Vehicles.
Exhibit 25 – Compliance with Alabama Public Service Commission Requirements.
Exhibit 26 – Commercial Driver’s License.
Exhibit 27 – Fleet Summary.
Exhibit 28 – Care and Maintenance of Vehicles.
Exhibit 29 – Route Plans.
Exhibit 30 – Plan for Segregation of Process Within and Transportation Between Facilities.
Exhibit 31 – Facilities.
Exhibit 32 – Engineering Plans and Specifications (Cultivation Facilities).
Exhibit 33 – Security Plan.
Exhibit 34 – Personnel.
Exhibit 35 – Business Leadership Credentials.
Exhibit 36 – Employee Handbook.
Exhibit 37 – Secure Transport Drivers.
Exhibit 38 – Driver’s Manual.
Exhibit 39 – Quality Control and Quality Assurance Plan.
Exhibit 40 – Contamination and Recall Plan.
Exhibit 41 – Marketing and Advertising Plan.
Exhibit 42 – Website and Social Media.
Cover Page Examples
Here are some examples of properly formatted cover pages. Remember that the cover pages must be labeled as page 1, so your exhibit information will all have to begin on page 2 in order to ensure the pages numbers are all correct.
The formatting of all exhibits must follow these rules:
Note: For any exhibit, or portion that requires the Applicant to provide a plan or to satisfy any requirement(s), the Applicant must indicate the status of the plan or requirement(s), as of the date of application filing, with one of the following designations (essentially add one of the following designations on to everything except for forms or existing documents being attached such as litigation information or business licenses):
The following regulations are referenced in the application exhibit requirements or are advised for use in the application materials. Please cite any local, state and federal regulations that apply to your company’s activities and consider including them in your application. Strong license applications integrate as many pertinent regulations as possible to show compliance with regulations and to display the company's knowledge and awareness of existing regulations. Given that Alabama's licensing process is competitive, with a set number of licenses available, using regulations to solidify the legitimacy of your company's plans is non-negotiable if you want to win.
Each of these forms must be completed. Some forms need to be filled out more than once (if you need one for each owner or one foreach transportation driver). The outline in the article indicates which exhibit each form needs to be attached to. Make sure to fill each form with the information TYPED in, NOT handwritten. If you're applying for an integrated license, we suggest downloading each of these forms and saving them to your desktop for easy access.
FORM B - Background Check Applicant Verification
FORM C - State Background Check (ALEA)
FORM D - National Background Check (FBI)
FORM E - Background Check Individual Verification
FORM F - Integrated Facility Performance Bond
FORM G - Personnel Roster & Verification
FORM H - Secure Transport Drivers
FORM I - Ownership Entity Individuals
FORM J - Affidavit of Individual Applicant for License
FORM K - Affidavit of Entity Applicant for License
FORM L - Verification of USB Flash Drives
Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission -Integrated License Guide
Cannabis business licenses are not easy to get, and they come with a lot of responsibility. To take the process lightly is to guarantee failure, and we don't want you to fail. We've put together this list of tips to help you navigate the process efficiently, so that success is likely! These tips should be followed by your entire team and any vendors that you work with throughout the process.
+ Solvency (financing)
+ Stability (maintain ops)
+ Suitability (qualified ownership)
+ Capability (related skills)
+ Project Efficiency (timeline)
Let's get to it! The integrated license application has 42 exhibits, some of which are completed using forms and some of which require full operational plans. The exhibit outline shows the page limit for each exhibit as well as information about what information must be included in the exhibit. This guide was created using Alabama's provided guidance document but simplifies and elaborates on the information so it's easier to understand.
Page limit: N/A
#1. Form A for every owner
Page limit: N/A
#1. Records proving Alabama residency for at least 15 years for at least 51% of the ownership.
Records proving residency may include:
Note: If this exhibit exceeds 25 pages, a table of contents must be created for the section, followed by a summary of the exhibit.
Page limit: N/A
#1. Org chart showing ownership % and years of agriculture or agronomic production
#2. Records proving 15 years of agriculture or agronomic production for Owners
#3. Records proving 15 years of agriculture or agronomic production for the business.
Note: If this exhibit exceeds 25 pages, a table of contents must be created for the section, followed by a summary of the exhibit.
Page limit: N/A
#1. Get fingerprinted for state and federal background check
Page limit: N/A
#1. Speak with bond provider with a minimum 'A' rating to have them provide a $2,000,000 bond
#2. Form F
Page limit: N/A
#1. Proof that company has at least $250,000 in liquid assets available
Page limit: 5
Specialty needed: Finance, CPA
#1. Proof of capital sufficient to cover first 3 years of the annual budget for the company.
#2. Identify source of each capital contribution
#3. Statement of verification from a designated responsible party
#4. Statement of verification from the company’s point of contact for the application
#5. Statement of verification from an independent CPA (cannot be internal to your company)
Page limit: 10
Specialty needed: Finance
#1. Proof of company’s financial ability to operate for 2 years once licensed
Page limit: 15
Business line: All
Specialty needed: Finance
Page limit: 5
Business line: All
Specialty needed: Tax
Reference: Ch. 2A of Title 20,Code of Alabama 1975
#1. A written narrative/plan purposed to:
Page limit: N/A
Business line: All
Specialty needed: Legal OR company document handler
#1. Certified copies of business formation documents
Note: If this section exceeds 25 pages, create a table of contents for the section
Page limit: N/A
Business line: All
Specialty needed: Legal OR company document handler
#1. Certified copies of business license for the cannabis company
#2. Copies of cannabis resolutions or ordinances of each local jurisdiction
#3. Copies of letters or statements of approval received from local jurisdictions
Note: If this exhibit exceeds 25 pages, a table of contents must be created for the section, followed by a summary of the exhibit.
Page limit: 50
Business line: All
Specialty needed: Insurer, Business planning, Advertising, Environmental planning
+ Declarations from an A-rated insurer
+ Pages from an A-rated insurer
+ Letters of intent from an A-rated insurer
Page limit: N/A
Business line: All
Specialty needed: Legal
Note: If this exhibit exceeds 25 pages, a table of contents must be created for the section, followed by a summary of the exhibit.
Page limit: 5
Business line: Dispensaries
Specialty needed: HIPAA, Document management
Reference: Rule538-x-8-.03 (5-7) , Code of Alabama 1975 20-2A-31(3)(b), Code of Alabama 20-2A-33 (c-g) , Rule538-x-2-.07 , HIPAA
#1. Plan for receiving information and certifications from registered physicians
#2. Plan for coordinating information and certifications from registered physicians
Page limit: 5
Business line: Dispensaries
Specialty needed: Training AND Operations
Reference: Rule538-x-8-.03 , Rule538-x-8-.08 , 538-x-4-.05(5), Rule538-x-2-.07
#1. Plan for POS education
#2. Plan for patient consultation [HIPAA]
#3. Plan for responses to patient and caregiver questions
#4. Instructions for product use
Page limit: 5
Business line: Dispensaries
Specialty needed: Cyber Security
Reference: Rule538-x-3-.05-3.m.(16)(i) , Rule538-x-4-.07-12.o.(9) , Rule538-x-2-.13 , HIPAA, Rule538-x-4-.05(7) , Code of Alabama 1975 20-2A-60 , Code of Alabama 1975 20-2A-5
#1. Plan for maintaining confidential information
#2. Cybersecurity plan for sensitive information of patients and caregivers
#3. Protocols for maintaining confidentiality of patient info in accordance with HIPAA
Page limit: 5
Business line: All
Specialty needed:Tax
Reference: Rule538-x-8-.03(8) , 280E , Code of Alabama 1975 20-2A-80 , Code of Alabama 1975 40-14A-(22-29)
#1. Plan for handling money
#2. Plan for remitting local taxes
#3. Plan for remitting state taxes
#4. Plan for remitting federal taxes
Page limit: 30
Business line: All
Specialty needed: Operations
#1. Standard Operating Plan and Procedures
(must maintain in full PDF form on a designated computer at the physical facilities, or in the company’s cloud – additionally in updated printed form for access by the Commission upon request).
Page limit: 30
Business line: All
Specialty needed: Operations
#1. Policies and Procedures Manual
Note: If this exhibit exceeds 25 pages, a table of contents must be created for the section, followed by a summary of the exhibit.
Page limit: 25
Business line: All
Specialty needed: Processing, Security AND Architecture/Construction
Reference: OSHA
+ Label each facility for its use (cultivation, processing, dispensing, transport)
+ Label each room for its designated use, such as:
- Specify a list of activities in each facility that will not be conducted (Example: specify that the dispensaries will not process/cultivate/transport)
Page limit: 20 (not including operations manual for equipment and machinery)
Business line: All
#1. Sales contracts for equipment and machinery
#2. Lease agreements
#3. Other documentation demonstrating possessory interest in equipment and machinery
#4. Operations manual for equipment and machinery (ask equipment providers for manuals)
Page limit: 10 (not including operations manual for equipment and machinery)
Business line: All (esp. transport)
Specialty needed: Transportation and Distribution
#1. Receiving and Shipping Plan
Page limit: N/A
Business line: Transport
Specialty needed: Transportation
#1. Select the vehicles from current transport activities that will be used
#2. Title for vehicles (if applicable)
#3. Lease for vehicles (if applicable)
#4. Copy of declaration pages from insurance policies for all vehicles
#5. License plate number for each vehicle
#6. DOT number for each vehicle
Note: If this exhibit exceeds 25 pages, a table of contents must be created for the section, followed by a summary of the exhibit.
Page limit: N/A
Business line: Transport
#1. Verification of compliance with Alabama Public Service Commission requirements for motor carriers.
Page limit: N/A
Business line: Transport
#1. Commercial driver’s license for each identified transport drive
#2. Commercial driver’s training manual
#3. Insert the following statement, including verification lines:
“All transportation vehicles identified for our integrated facility’s transport activities are appropriately registered, cared for and suited for commercial transportation of cannabis products, including being free of any markings, not allowing driver visibility of the products, not allowing external visibility of the products (no windows or covered windows), and being securely locked and temperature controlled. All transportation driver working on behalf of our integrated facility has years of experience as commercial drivers for agricultural products, haveCommercial Driver’s licenses, and have received the required training. All drivers have been informed about the state, local and federal laws that apply to them and will comply with each of the said laws, including : list referenced laws in the header of this exhibit section)
The undersigned verifies that the information contained in this statement, is accurate and complete, based on the best available information at the date of verification.
Verification:
Name________________________
Role________________________
Signature___________________________________
Date__________________
#4. Sign the statement above (fill out the verification section with name, role, date, signature)
Note: If this exhibit exceeds 25 pages, a table of contents must be created for the section, followed by a summary of the exhibit.
Page limit: N/A
Business line: Transport
Specialty needed: Transportation
#1. Fleet Summary (summary of all vehicles)
Page limit: 5
Business line: Transport
Specialty needed: Vehicle Maintenance
#1. Protocols for care of all vehicles
#2. Protocols for maintenance of all vehicles
Page limit: 5
Business line: Transport
Specialty needed: Transportation and Distribution
#1 Example of route plans image (GPS)
#2 Example of route plan assignment
#3 Example of route plan planning strategy
Page limit: 10
Business line: All
Specialty needed: Operations
#1. Plan for strictly segregating cultivation, processing, dispensing, transportation
Page limit: 10
Business line: All
Specialty needed: Legal AND Architecture
#1. A statement of the following items for each dispensary (all 5), and the processing, cultivation and transport facility(ies) that the company plans to operate, as of the commencement (operations start) date and within 2 years from commencement (start) date:
Page limit: 20
Business line: Cultivation
Specialty needed: Architecture, Construction and Security
+ Detailed plan and elevation drawings of all operational areas involved in cultivation
+ Cross sections that show the construction details and their dimensions to provide:
+ Identification of all employee-accessible non-cultivation
+ Storage area
+ Ventilation systems
+ Equipment used for cultivation
+ Entrances and Exits
+ Outer walls
+Windows
+ Hatches
+Skylights
+ Cameras: interior and exterior
- Each ingress/egress
- At vehicle entrance/exit point
- Parking lot
- Perimeter of building
- All areas except bathrooms
+ Insert this statement:
All monitoring cameras will be operational for 24 hours per day, 365 days per year for the purposes of monitoring both the internal and external activities of the facility, per the requirements of cite proper regulation. The undersigned verifies that the information contained in this statement, is accurate and complete, based on the best available information at the date of verification.
Verification:
Name________________________
Role________________________
Signature___________________________________
Date__________________
+ Have a responsible party sign the above statement
+ Location of all alarm inputs
-At ingress/egress
- At reception area
- At vehicle entrance/exit
+ Location of digital audio/video recorder
+ Location of control panel
+ Restricted access areas
+ Employee access areas
+ Public areas
+ Storage of plant inputs and equipment
+ Storage of returned products
Page limit: 30
Business line: All
Specialty needed: Security
Reference: 3.m.(16)(k)of Rule 530-x-3.03 , § 20-2A-65(c) (for transport section33.26)
+ 24-hour alarm system will be installed in all facilities where cannabis or medical cannabis are present.
+ Describe alarm system specifications and capabilities
+ The alarm system will be provided and installed by experts in industry-standard commercial grade alarm systems (Name security company and their credentials).
+ Alarm systems will:
+ The reception area and personnel adjacent to ingress and egress points will have ready to access duress panic and hold-up alarms that can be accessed and activated in the event of access by unauthorized personnel or intruders.
+ Broadcast communication devices (cell phones, intercom, walkie talkies)
+ The facility will maintain an audio/visual surveillance system that will be in continuous operation, 24 hours per day, 365 days per week.
+ Cameras
+ Interior and exterior lighting
+ The cultivation, production and transportation integrated facility will have cameras at point of vehicle entrance and exit capable of detecting the license plate number, style of vehicle, color of vehicle and any other identifying characteristics for every vehicle utilized for cannabis transport, as well as for any employee, visitor, inspector, or service provider vehicles which enter the property.
+ The cultivation, production, and transportation integrated facility property perimeter
Note: Describe how authorized persons will access the property via code entry
+ Audio/visual record keeping
+ Describe the printer type
+ Describe printer capabilities
+ Exterior doors will be reinforced to withstand unlawful forcible entry
+ Exterior walls will be reinforced to withstand unlawful forcible entry
+ Windows will be reinforced to prevent breakage from outside intruders
+ Dispensaries will be a standalone structure OR multi-use structure/strip mall/retail facility
+ Describe the structure type for each dispensary
+ Each facility will have two staffed security guards during operating hours to reasonably ensure the safety of the products stored in the facility, and the humans occupying the facility.
+ Strict access controls, including frequency operated buttons with access limitations and access record keeping will protect areas where cannabis and medical cannabis are stored in a secured, locked vault.
+ Daily monetary receipts are handled and stored in a secured locked safe
+ Cash handling procedures for beginning and end of day movement
+ Security plan for always maintaining cash on hand
+ Members of the public are not allowed inside the dispensary facilities unless they are proven to be a registered patient or caregiver in the state of Alabama with a valid, unexpired, unrevoked medical cannabis card.
+ Electronic records will be kept of all persons on the premises at the facility at all times, including patients, care givers, employees, vendors, transporters or other licensees, and all others. Such records shall be kept for a minimum of two years, and longer at the request of the Commission or law enforcement.) These records must record:
+ While on duty, employees must wear identification badges that clearly identify them as employees. Employee badges must be kept at the facility in the security office when employee is not on duty.
+ Visitors, including vendors, other licensees, Commission members, inspection personnel, or other representatives, will be required to wear a facility-issued visitor badge or an “AMCC Official” pass (as applicable) while on premises and must return the badges before exiting the facility. Each visitor’s badge number will be recorded during the visitor check in process.
+ Create: Theft, loss and diversion policies for reporting theft, loss and diversion of cannabis products to the Commission and to law enforcement as early as practicable and not more than 24 hours from the time of the identification of theft, loss, or diversion.
+ Insert this statement:
Each dispensing facility will conspicuously and prominently display a sign with the statement, “WARNING: This facility is monitored at all times using audio and video surveillance. Entry to this business and purchases within are strictly prohibited except as to registered patients and caregivers presenting valid identification as required by law.” These signs will be at least 8”X11” with bold legible font that is at least 20pt. These signs will be placed at each entry point and on the wall near the check-out point on the sales floor. The undersigned verifies that the information contained in this statement, is accurate and complete, based on the best available information at the date of verification.
Verification:
Name________________________ Role________________________
Signature___________________________________ Date__________________
+ Variable route plans and GPS tracking systems will be monitored from the transport section of the facility security center using WIFI, or hardline network technology
+ All vehicles will have locks and alarm systems, including on the secure storage area of the vehicle where cannabis and cannabis products are stored during transit.
+ Self-recording audio/visual recording device will be placed on the dashboard of every transport vehicle.
+ Self-recording audio/visual recording device will be placed in secure storage area with visibility of all products and all activity, in every transport vehicle.
+ Vehicle’s audio/visual recording systems will be functional at all times the vehicles are in use and in transit.
+ Audio/visual equipment
+ All secure transport vehicles will be free of marking indicating that the vehicle is transporting cannabis.
+ All secure transport vehicles will be free of any logo or name of the licensed company or any other licensee.
+ Cannabis and medical cannabis will be stored in sealed, opaque, tamper-evident containers with informational labels including the destination of each container’s contents while in transport.
+ Drivers will be equipped with accessible panic buttons to be held on their person and duress alarms to be placed strategically in the vehicle carriage so that they are accessible by both transporters but are not placed as to be at risk of false alarm. The transport drivers will be trained on how to activate panic buttons and duress alarm in the event of an attempted diversion by unauthorized personnel, hijackers, terrorists, or other improper intervenors.
+ Each of the 2 employees in the transport vehicle will have company provided cell phones to contact the secure transport center located at the facility or to call 911 in case of emergency – at all times when they are in the transport vehicle whether or not cannabis or medical cannabis is stored in the vehicle. This procedure will be included in training for transport drivers before they start transporting cannabis. These devices will be kept at the secure transport facility when drivers are not in transit, and will be charged overnight so that drivers have fully charged communication devices while in transit. All transport vehicles will be equipped with cellular device chargers so that both transport drivers can ensure their communication devices are functional at all times while in transit.
+ If any emergency required stopping the vehicle, the transport employees will be trained to immediately notify a manager or dispatcher at the secure transport center via phone call and to alert AMCC via email or phone call (whichever AMCC prefers). Transport drivers will be trained to follow an emergency protocol checklist which includes notifying the secure transport center and ALEA, in detail, about the nature of the incident and completing an incident report in the form provided by the Commission. When necessary, transport drivers will also alert law enforcement personnel. In addition to the incident form provided by the Commission, internal electronic records will be kept regarding any incident, drivers involved, type of incident, date and time of incident, product being transported, any other parties involved in the incident (ex: car crash), and the outcome of the incident or actions taken.
+ No person other than a commercially licensed secure transport driver employed by the facility may have actual physical control over (be the driver of) the transport vehicle at any time during transport of cannabis or medical cannabis.
+ Transport drivers employed by the facility will be trained in, and have ready access to , secure procedure for undergoing administrative inspection by law enforcement pursuant to § 20-2A-65(c) , Code of Alabama 1975 : meaning that law enforcement may inspect the vehicle while it contains cannabis or medical cannabis to validate the licensure of the drivers which must be carried at all times during licensure, inspect the employee ID which must be carried at all times during transit, the proof of registration and insurance policy, the route plans and delivery manifest for the delivery, and that proper security systems such as panic alarms, duress signals and GPS are installed in the vehicle.
+ Containers of cannabis or medical cannabis that are prepared for transport will be appropriately labeled with a copy of the product labels of the products within the container, as well as the final destination of the product, and a copy of the purchase order receipt. and inserted in the sealed opaque tamper evident containers prior to storage or transport.
+ Batches that are prepared for storage or transport will bar coded with a METRC tag and QR coded by the internal inventory tracking system (which integrates with the state tracking) both which will identify:
+ Transport vehicles while transporting cannabis or medical cannabis will have two transport employees present when a transport vehicle is making more than one stop on the delivery route or is traveling more than 10 miles away from the facility. One will be the designated driver and one will be the designated passenger whose job will be to assist the driver with loading and unloading the vehicle, ensuring the proper protocols are followed, helping in case of incident or emergency, and ensuring the vehicle is never left unattended.
+ Route plans are carefully curated and randomized for optimal transport safety and delivery times. Transporters will be trained to strictly adhere to the designated route plans at all times. Transporters must document any stops made along the designated route plan for refueling or any other reason (ex: to use a restroom). The documentation will include: reason, duration, activity, and location of the stop.
+ Secure transport vehicles will be equipped with GPS tracking and monitored throughout tracking by the security personnel located at the facility through Wi-Fi, or hardware networking technology
+ Insert this statement
Route plans, manifests, transport logs, freight bills, bills of lading and any free-on-board (“FOB”) terms of sale documents, maintenance and repair records, and insurance documentation will be kept electronically, including, but not limited to, as part of the Statewide Seed-to-Sale Tracking System METRC, as to all vehicles in the secure transportation fleet, for a period of not less than two (2) years, and longer upon the request of the Commission or law enforcement. Back up version of such documents will be stored in an organized file location on an administrative computer and in a secure cloud storage location and be made available to the Commission or its representatives(including inspectors) during inspections and other official visits.
The undersigned verifies that the information contained in this statement, is accurate and complete, based on the best available information at the date of verification.
Verification of this statement made by:
Name__________________________________. Role________________________
Signature___________________________________ Date__________________
+ Insert this statement
Upon request, the company will make available to the Commission or its inspectors all information relating to the official security plan, including, but not limited to, security alarm systems, monitoring, alarm activity, maps of camera locations and camera coverage, audio/video footage, surveillance equipment maintenance logs, authorized use lists, operation instructions, secure transport security plan and procedures, and any other security-related information deemed relevant by the Commission or its inspectors.
The undersigned verifies that the information contained in this statement, is accurate and complete, based on the best available information at the date of verification.
Verification of this statement made by:
Name__________________________________. Role________________________
Signature___________________________________ Date__________________
Page limit: N/A
Business line: All
Page limit: 10
Business line: All
Page limit: N/A
Business line: All
Specialty needed: HR and Legal
#1. Employee Handbook
Note: If the handbook exceeds 25 pages, the create a summary of the handbook (not to exceed 5 pages)
Page limit: N/A
Business line: Transport
Page limit: N/A
Business line: Transport
Specialty needed: Transportation and HR
#1. Driver’s manual including:
Note: If Driver’s Manual exceeds 25 pages, the create a summary of the handbook (not to exceed 5 pages)
Page limit: 20
Business line: All
Specialty needed: Cultivation, Processing, Operations
#1 Quality control and Quality Assurance plan for each facility (including each dispensary)
+ To provide high quality product
+ Ensure batch safety
+ Ensure batch potency
+ Ensure batch stability
+ Ensure batch lifespan
+ Ensure batch consistency
Methods of ensuring the above may include:
+ Nutrient type
+ Water quality
+ Monitor environment
+ Pest inspection & mitigation
+ Consistency in procedures
+ Storage temperatures
+ Describe pest control
+ Describe care of packaged products
+ Describe intake/care of packaging
+ Describe intake/care of labels
+ Quality Control Unit
+ Personal Protective Equipment
+ Tests @ each production stage
+ Will testing @ each stage
be conducted:
- In house
- Unofficially @ a State Lab
- Only officially @ a State Lab
+ Return
+ Remediation
+ Destruction
Page limit: 10
Business line: All
Specialty needed: Operations and Legal
#1 Detailed contamination and recall plan in event of batches or lots being required for recall
Page limit: 20
Business line: All
Specialty needed: Marketing
Page limit: 10
Business line: All
Specialty needed: Marketing
#1. Website of each website owned or operated by integrated facility
#2. Secure social media handles (instagram, Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn) if desired
Congratulations! You made it to the end of the checklist. As you can see, Alabama’s process for cannabis licensing (in this case an integrated cannabis license, but the high standards exist for every license type) is no joke because they want to make sure things are done right and they want to limit the pool of applicants to an elite few. So, if you’re working on your cannabis business license now, good luck! If you’d like to do so in a few years when they open up licensing again, now you know how to get started. You know the BEST way to start preparing -We have the documents you need to fulfill most of the requirements. Go get 'em tiger.
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Employee Agreements, Forms, and Handbook
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Leafsheets is a cannabis business support and acceleration platform that is breaking the barriers to entry and success in cannabis business by simplifying cannabis entrepreneurship by providing vital operating plans, business information, and answers to the most pressing questions. **Leafsheets is an experienced business advisor and not a legal advisor. For legal advice, consult with a licensed legal practitioner in your state.
