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Richmond, VA – The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (CCA) is accepting applications for a permit to operate a pharmaceutical processor in Health Service Area (HSA) 1. The permit will allow the selected processor to engage in vertically integrated operations, including the cultivation of cannabis plants, production of cannabis products, and dispensation to qualified patients.

Those interested can submit their applications online, along with a non-refundable fee of $18,000. The application process will have four stages:

1. Submission of Applications
2. Review of Applications
3. Award of Conditional Approval
4. Grant of a Pharmaceutical Processor Permit

Applicants who receive conditional approval will have a year to fulfill all requirements for the issuance of a permit. The fee for the initial permit is set at $165,000.

"Health Service Area 1 has lacked a pharmaceutical processor due to litigation, leaving patients there without easy, local access to vital cannabis-based treatments,” said Jeremy Preiss, Acting Head and Chief Officer of Regulatory, Policy, and External Affairs. “The CCA aims to bridge this gap and provide relief to those who rely on cannabis for medical purposes."

HSA 1 covers a number of cities and counties in Virginia, including the Shenandoah Valley, Charlottesville, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford. 

Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2024 at 5 p.m.

For more details and application procedures, please visit cca.virginia.gov/NOA-HSA1.