Substance Law assists businesses in obtaining standard cannabis cultivation licences in Canada under the Cannabis Act, regulated by Health Canada.
A standard cultivation licence permits large-scale growing of cannabis plants for commercial purposes.
What Is a Standard Cultivation Licence?
A standard cultivation licence allows businesses to:
- grow cannabis plants at commercial scale
- harvest and dry cannabis
- sell cannabis to licensed processors or distributors
This licence is designed for larger operations compared to micro-cultivation.
Types of Cultivation
Standard licences may include:
- indoor cultivation
- greenhouse cultivation
- outdoor cultivation
Each type has different regulatory and operational considerations.
Application Requirements
Applicants must provide:
- detailed site plans
- facility readiness evidence
- security systems
- quality assurance framework
- personnel information and security clearances
Facility Requirements
Cultivation facilities must meet strict standards:
- perimeter security controls
- surveillance systems
- restricted access areas
- environmental controls
Cultivation vs Micro-Cultivation
- Standard: large-scale, no canopy limit
- Micro: limited canopy (approx. 200 m²)
👉 Related: Micro-Cultivation and Micro-Processing Licences
Compliance Obligations
Licence holders must comply with:
- plant tracking requirements
- reporting obligations
- sanitation standards
- regulatory inspections
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cannabis cultivation licence?
A licence that allows businesses to grow and harvest cannabis commercially.
What is the difference between standard and micro-cultivation?
Standard licences allow large-scale operations, while micro licences are limited in canopy size.
Do I need security clearance?
Yes. Key individuals must obtain security clearance.
How long does it take to get a cultivation licence?
Timelines vary but can take several months or longer.
