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Cannabis License Application Process

A step-by-step guide to applying for a cannabis business license in Nevada — from entity formation through CCB site inspection.

Last verified: 2026-03-01

Before You Apply

Before beginning the application process, understand that Nevada is a limited-license state with no new retail dispensary application windows currently open. The primary path to market for a dispensary is purchasing an existing transferable license. However, other license types (cultivation, production, distribution, testing) may have opportunities depending on jurisdiction and CCB licensing rounds.

There is no Nevada residency requirement — out-of-state applicants may apply for any cannabis establishment license.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Establish a Legal Entity

Form a legal business entity registered with the Nevada Secretary of State. Most cannabis businesses operate as LLCs or corporations. All owners, officers, board members, and individuals with a financial interest must be identified in the application. The CCB will scrutinize the ownership structure carefully.

Step 2: Secure Compliant Property

Identify and secure a property that meets all state and local zoning requirements. Key setback requirements include:

  • 1,000 feet from any school (K-12)
  • 300 feet from community facilities (community centers, public parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, etc.)

The property must also conform to local zoning ordinances, which may impose additional distance restrictions. Industrial or commercial zoning is typically required. Secure a lease or purchase agreement that is contingent on obtaining a cannabis license — landlords must consent to cannabis operations on the premises.

Step 3: Obtain Local Jurisdiction Approval

Before applying to the CCB, you must secure approval from your local city or county government. This typically involves:

  • Applying for a municipal business license for cannabis operations
  • Obtaining a special use permit or conditional use permit through the local planning/zoning process
  • Attending public hearings (some jurisdictions require neighborhood notification)
  • Paying local jurisdiction fees

Only 4 of 17 counties permit recreational cannabis businesses: Clark, Washoe, Nye, and Storey. Check with your specific city or county to confirm cannabis businesses are allowed and what local approvals are needed.

Step 4: Complete the CCB Application

Submit your application through the Accela Cannabis Customer Portal:

https://aca-prod.accela.com/NVCCB/

The CCB application requires extensive documentation, including:

  • Business entity formation documents
  • Ownership disclosure (all owners, officers, and key employees)
  • Proof of $250,000 in liquid assets under the applicant's control
  • Property documentation (lease, deed, zoning confirmation)
  • Detailed business plan and operating procedures
  • Security plan for the facility
  • Local jurisdiction approval documentation
  • Application fees ($5,000 for most license types; $100,000 for retail consumption lounges; $10,000 for independent consumption lounges)

The CCB application is submitted through the Accela Cannabis Customer Portal.

CCB Accela Portal

Step 5: Pass Background Checks

All owners, officers, board members, and key employees must undergo background checks as part of the application process. The CCB reviews criminal history, financial background, and business history. SB 277 (2023) removed restrictions that previously barred individuals with certain felony convictions from cannabis business ownership — applicants with prior felonies may now petition the CCB for licenses and agent cards.

Step 6: Pay All Fees

Once the application is reviewed and conditionally approved, pay the initial license fee to the CCB and all applicable local jurisdiction fees. See our License Types & Fees page for the complete state fee schedule.

Step 7: Pass the CCB Site Inspection

Before operations can begin, your facility must pass a CCB site inspection confirming compliance with all regulatory requirements, including:

  • Security systems (surveillance cameras, alarms, restricted access areas, vault storage)
  • METRC seed-to-sale tracking system integration
  • Compliant signage and facility layout
  • Proper storage and handling areas
  • Ventilation and odor control systems
  • Record-keeping systems

Timeline

The complete process from application to opening typically takes 6 months to over 1 year, depending on:

  • Local jurisdiction approval timelines (can take several months alone)
  • Completeness of the CCB application
  • Background check processing times
  • Facility build-out and inspection scheduling
  • Any requests for additional information from the CCB

Agent Cards for Employees

Every individual who works at a cannabis establishment — from owners to budtenders — must obtain a cannabis agent card from the CCB before beginning work. As of the January 2025 Biennial Report, Nevada had 14,582 individuals with active agent cards. Agent card applications also require background checks.

The licensing process involves establishing a legal entity, securing compliant property, obtaining local jurisdiction approval, completing the CCB application, passing background checks, paying fees, and passing a CCB site inspection.

CCB Industry Portal