Insights

U.S. Virgin Islands Cannabis Dispensary Retail License Applications are Now Open

By Jerrico Perez

Jul 18, 2025

The U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Cannabis Regulation (OCR) recently opened the application process for 17 cannabis dispensary licenses. If you’ve been considering opening a dispensary in St. Croix, St. John or St. Thomas, now is the time to apply. 

How many cannabis retail licenses are available for USVI applicants? 

There are only a limited number of licenses available for each location: 

  • St. Croix: 7 licenses
  • St. John: 3 licenses
  • St. Thomas: 7 licenses 

How much does applying for a cannabis license cost? 

The application fee is $10,000, and it must be paid to complete your submission. 

There is no official deadline yet, but the OCR says the application period may end around September 30, 2025. Don’t wait to apply!  

What are the requirements to apply for a US Virgin Islands retail cannabis business license? 

General requirements include, but are not limited to: 

  1. Background checks on all owners and financial interest holders

  2. Evidence the applicant is qualified to do business in the USVI

  3. Documentation of compliance with residency requirements

  4. Disclosure of all civil litigation in the past 10 years and all criminal convictions for all owners, directors, and managers

  5. Description of corporate structure

  6. Organizational chart

  7. Documentation verifying and confirming the lawful source of funds used for the business

  8. Premises diagram

  9. Proof of possession of the premises

  10. Emergency response plan

  11. Affidavit of truthful application – required from all owners/financial interest holders

  12. FEIN

  13. Proof of application for a USVI business license 

Applications will be scored out of 1,000 total points (with an additional 150 bonus points for social equity applicants, making the total possible points 1,150). For information specific to dispensary license applications, read our blog.

Want to learn more before applying for a dispensary license in the U.S. Virgin Islands? 

The OCR is hosting a live Zoom meeting at 12 p.m. ET on July 31, 2025. Register here to join. Past webinars and info sessions are available on the OCR’s YouTube channel. 

You can read our latest blog or watch our recent webinar on cannabis licensing in the USVI, which explains the process. 

Getting a license can be difficult, but Vicente can help! Our cannabis licensing attorneys are ready to support you every step of the way. Book a consultation now to get started. 

The content and links provided on this page are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or tax advice. Viewing this page does not establish an attorney-client relationship. You should consult with a qualified legal professional for advice regarding any particular issue or problem. The contents of this page may be considered attorney advertising under certain rules of professional conduct.

Jerrico Perez, Licensing, Licensing Opportunities, US Virgin Islands