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License to Launch
Explains what happens after proximity protection, why you still cannot open, what a provisional license allows, and the steps you must complete before OCM issues a final license.
License to Launch: What happens after OCM issues proximity protection
Once OCM issues proximity protection, you enter the License to Launch phase. This is the stage where your location is protected, but you still cannot open.
The approval that comes next is provisional, not final. A provisional license does not allow you to:
- Sell cannabis
- Receive inventory
- Open to the public
- Begin operations
Before opening day, you must complete a required set of steps involving OCM and other agencies, including city and federal authorities.
This section explains:
- What License to Launch means
- What must be completed before opening
- Why these steps matter
- Where operators most often get delayed
Use the sections below to understand what applies to your business, then click through for details.
What License to Launch means
License to Launch begins when OCM issues proximity protection.
That means:
- Your location is protected
- You can move forward with planning and preparation
It does not mean:
- You can open
- You can sell cannabis
- You can receive inventory
License to Launch is the phase where most of the real work happens — and where most delays occur if steps are missed.
Provisional vs final license (what actually changes)
Provisional license
- Issued after proximity protection
- Approval in concept
- Allows preparation and buildout
- Does not allow sales, inventory, or operations
Final license
- Issued only after all requirements are complete
- Allows retail sales
- Required before opening to the public
If any required step is incomplete or incorrect, OCM will not issue a final license, even if your store is fully built.
The path from proximity protection to opening
Delays almost always happen because something in this sequence was skipped, incomplete, or inconsistent. After proximity protection is issued, every dispensary must move through the same sequence:
1) Prepare your space
Build the store, secure permits, and make sure the layout matches what was submitted to OCM.
2) Submit required documents
Provide plans, policies, insurance, and proof that required systems are ready.
3) Respond to OCM review
Fix or clarify anything OCM asks about.
4) Pass inspection
OCM checks that your store and systems match what you submitted.
5) Receive final license
Once approved, you are allowed to sell and open.
What must be completed before opening
Before issuing a final license, OCM checks that every required area is finished and done correctly.
Select a section below to see what is required and how it is reviewed.
Buildout & premises requirements
What your physical space must include, which work requires permits, and how your buildout must match what you submitted to OCM.
This section explains:
- When city building or fire permits are required
- Required inspections
- Floor plan matching rules
- What happens if the built space does not match approved plans
→ View Buildout and Permit requirements
Security & storage requirements
What security systems must be installed, working, and documented before approval.
This section explains:
- Camera placement and recording rules
- Alarm systems and monitoring
- Vaults and restricted-access areas
- How cannabis must be stored before opening
→ View Security and Storage requirements
Facility layout & ADA access
Accessibility and layout rules that apply to dispensaries, including requirements many operators do not realize apply.
This section explains:
- Accessible entrances and paths
- Counter heights and service areas
- Aisle width and customer flow
- Common accessibility mistakes
→ View Facility layout and ADA requirements
Pre-opening compliance requirements
Everything OCM checks before converting your license from provisional to final.
This section explains:
- What happens during final inspection
- POS and tracking system readiness
- Staff training and written procedures
- Common reasons final licenses are delayed
→ View pre-opening compliance requirements
Why this matters
License to Launch is where most dispensaries lose time and money.
If any part of this phase is handled incorrectly, OCM will not issue a final license and you will not be allowed to open.
Common mistakes include:
- Starting construction without required permits
- Buildouts that fail inspection because layouts do not match approved plans
- Security systems that do not meet NY rules
- Accessibility issues discovered too late to fix cheaply
- Missing or inconsistent paperwork
- Failed inspections that require re-inspection
- Opening delays that impact rent, cash flow, and investors
This section exists to help you complete License to Launch once, correctly, so opening day is not delayed.
