How to Apply

The CCD has policy and procedure requirements for each license type. It is important to know and understand the rules and meet them.

On this page you will find license checklists for producer, manufacturer, and retail licenses. Please review the checklist of the corresponding license you are applying for.

The CCD uses one online licensing system. Initial licensure and renewals are processed through the online system. Create an account in the system and be sure to save your username and password for easy access. Be sure to use an email address you check frequently or an email specifically for the cannabis business. Note: courier, consumption area, and cannabis research and cannabis laboratory licenses are only available in paper format. If you are applying for one of these licenses, please submit the application via email to ccd.licensing@rld.nm.gov.

Fill all the required fields in the licensing system and upload all required documents. Be sure you disclose all business owners and financial interest holders. The CCD licensing system lets you save your progress as you go.

At the end of the application, the licensing system will calculate your application fees. The CCD cannot process your application until the fee is paid. You can pay your fee through the licensing system via bank account/check, money order or credit card. Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email with a PAR number. The PAR number is how licensing specialist will find your application and you will need the PAR number to communicate with the licensing specialist through the licensing process.

A background check is performed on each controlling person. A controlling person is any person who controls a financial or voting interest of 10% or more of, or an officer or board member of, a cannabis establishment; and does not include a bank or licensed lending institution. Please complete an “Authorization for Release of Information” form for each controlling person.

The form can be obtained through the following link: Authorization for Release of Information Form.

All forms shall be signed by the controlling person, notarized, and submitted to the New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS) with a fee in the amount of $15.00. The DPS will provide you with their findings, which you will be required to submit to the CCD with your application for a cannabis license. Please DO NOT send these forms to the CCD Office; they will be returned to the applicant, delaying the process. 

Upon submitting the application, a licensing specialist will be assigned to you. The licensing specialist will notify you of any deficiencies and can update you on the status of your application. If the submitted application is missing any information, a licensing specialist will email you. Responding to emails from your licensing specialist helps the CCD process your application in a timely manner.

For those license types required to pay a plant fee, if your application is approved, you’ll receive an email with instructions about how to pay your license fee. You can pay your fee through the licensing system via bank account/check, money order or credit card. You can also pay in cash by setting up an appointment to visit our office in person. Your license will be issued once we receive your payment.

CCD licenses are valid for one year from your licensing date. Once your license is issued, you can download your license certificate from the licensing system. A physical copy of the license will be mailed to the address provided. Post your certificate in a visible place near the entrance of the business so visitors and cannabis compliance officers can see it.