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The History & Legalization of Cannabis in Guam
Guam is a small island territory in the Pacific Ocean and the first U.S. territory to legalize medicinal cannabis. Despite a slow rollout, recent advances on both medicinal and recreational cannabis suggest the island will be ripe with opportunities in the near future.
Our experts at Higher Yields Consulting can help you understand the rules and regulations for selling cannabis in Guam to start your business on the right foot.
Cannabis Legalization in Guam
Cannabis was first introduced in Guam during the Vietnam War era, when U.S. military members served on the island. However, it wasn’t until late 2014 that the Joaquin (KC) Concepcion II Compassionate Cannabis Use Act of 2013 legalized medicinal cannabis in Guam.
In April 2019, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero signed the Guam Cannabis Industry Act. This historic step officially legalized the possession and home growing of recreational cannabis on the island.
Today, it is legal for a cannabis patient to possess up to 2.5 ounces of medicinal cannabis. Plus, anyone over the age of 21-years old can possess up to 1 ounce of personal-use cannabis or grow up to 6 plants (3 mature and 3 immature).
Questions on Cannabis in Guam?
Starting a Cannabusiness
in Guam
Guam’s cannabis industry has been slow to roll out — in part because it only recently established a provider for a regulatory track-and-trace sales and licensing system. As these issues have been resolved, a thriving cannabis industry appears to be just over the horizon.
If you’re one of the many cannabis-minded entrepreneurs interested in getting on the ground floor of Guam’s blooming cannabis industry, you will need to take a number of steps before you can start your new cannabis business.
The experts at Higher Yields Consulting can help you navigate the new and untested regulations and requirements regarding cannabis in Guam so you can be sure that your new cannabis venture is a success!
Now Is the Right Time to Start Selling Cannabis in Guam
Despite Guam’s progress, logistical and political hurdles have made it so there are currently no licensed and operating medical cannabis retailers on the island. As a result, thus far, cannabis in Guam has only been available through home cultivation or as a gift.
That said, the Guamanian Department of Revenue and Taxation recently announced it has started accepting applications for cannabis business licenses.
If you’re interested in cultivating, manufacturing, or dispensing cannabis in Guam, now is the right time to get your foot in the door!
Our cannabis consultants can provide the insight and expertise to help you fill out your application for your greatest chances of approval.
Contact Us to discuss cannabis Licenses in Guam
If you are looking to attain a license for hemp or cannabis in Guam Higher Yields Cannabis Consulting can help. Our team of cannabis licensing consultants and technical writers has had great success helping newcomers and experienced operators attain licenses all over the world.
What Licenses Are Available for Cannabis in Guam?
The following licenses will be offered by the Guam Cannabis Control Board (CCB):
- Type I Cultivation License (less than or equal to 2,500 sq. ft.)
- Type II Cultivation License (2,501-5,000 sq. ft.)
- Type III Cultivation License (5,001-10,000 sq. ft.)
- Commercial Manufacturing Facility License
- Dispensary License
- Medical Cannabis Testing Laboratory License
How to Start Selling Cannabis in Guam
To start a cannabusiness in Guam, you will need to follow the rules and regulations set by the Guam CCB.
1. Get Approved as a “Responsible Official
The first step to get started cultivating, manufacturing, or selling cannabis in Guam will be to submit an application and provide the supporting documents to be approved as a “responsible official” with the CCB.
To be a responsible official, you must be at least 21 years old, own the business or be responsible for operating the business, and not have been previously convicted of manufacturing or distributing any Schedule I or Schedule II controlled substance (other than marijuana).
As a responsible official, you are liable for any actions of the business owners, managers, employees, or agents. You will be charged $1,000 to apply to be a responsible official for your new cannabis venture.
2. Apply for a Cannabis Establishment License
The next step is to apply for a cannabis establishment license through the CCB. Keep in mind that the rules as written prohibit owning or operating more than one type of cannabis business.
For the time being, establishment licenses have been, but when they become available again, you will need to submit plans for your business location and desired build. You must also obtain permission from the required applicable government regulatory agencies.
3. Pass Your Inspection
Finally, your prospective cannabusiness must also be inspected by the Guam Department of Revenue and Taxation before the agency will issue you a permit to operate.
You must be 21 years of age or older to apply, and your license application will cost $5,000.
Additionally, you will be asked to provide:
- Your name and contact information
- Proof of age and ID
- The address of the premises where you will cultivate, manufacture, or sell cannabis products
- A description of the proposed business
- The names of all owners, officer, and directors of the business
Should Your Cannabusiness Hire a Cannabis Consultant?
If you want to venture into cannabis in Guam, you need a team that knows how to navigate the island’s rules and regulations. Higher Yields Consulting has helped countless cannabis entrepreneurs throughout the U.S. and internationally achieve their dreams of cannabusiness ownership.
There are many reasons to use a cannabis consultant when starting your business in Guam. A consultant can help you with the following:
- Determining if your business idea is feasible
- Completing a market analysis
- Creating a business plan
- Registering your business
- Applying for licenses and permits
- Identifying potential locations
- Creating marketing and advertising strategies
- Designing and operating an efficient facility
- Save your money and time!
At Higher Yields Consulting, our highly experienced professional consultants do so much more than just guide you through the application process. We are with you every step of the way, from inception to creation to completion and beyond. Higher Yields Consulting will help make your cannabis dreams a reality!
Questions on Cannabis in Guam?
Last Updated August 2022.
Disclaimer:
We cannot guarantee the accuracy of this article at the time of reading.
We take no responsibility for any inaccurate information.
Nothing within this article should be construed as legal advice.