Substance Law provides legal services to businesses applying for standard cannabis processing licences in Canada. We assist companies in navigating the federal licensing process administered by Health Canada under the Cannabis Act.
A standard processing licence is required for businesses that manufacture cannabis products at commercial scale, including extracts, edibles, topicals, and packaged dried cannabis.
We assist clients from early-stage planning through application, licensing, and ongoing compliance.
What Is a Standard Cannabis Processing Licence?
A standard processing licence allows businesses to:
- manufacture cannabis products
- extract cannabinoids (e.g., oils, concentrates)
- produce edibles and infused products
- package and label cannabis products
- sell cannabis to authorized distributors
Unlike micro-processing licences, standard licences do not have strict production caps and are designed for larger-scale operations.
Activities Authorized Under a Processing Licence
Standard processing licence holders may:
- process raw cannabis into finished products
- conduct extraction activities
- package and label cannabis products for sale
- distribute products to provincial wholesalers
Processing is a key step in the cannabis supply chain and must comply with strict regulatory requirements.
Application Requirements
Obtaining a standard processing licence requires a detailed application.
Key requirements include:
- corporate structure and ownership disclosure
- facility design and site evidence
- security measures and controls
- quality assurance personnel
- good production practices (GPP) compliance
Applicants must demonstrate readiness to operate at a commercial level.
Facility and Operational Requirements
Processing facilities must meet strict regulatory standards.
These include:
- secure storage areas
- controlled access systems
- sanitation and cleanliness protocols
- quality control procedures
- validated production processes
Facilities are subject to inspection before licensing and during operations.
Good Production Practices (GPP)
Processing licence holders must comply with GPP requirements, which include:
- product safety and quality controls
- sanitation and hygiene protocols
- contamination prevention
- batch tracking and recall systems
Compliance with GPP is critical to maintaining a valid licence.
Security Clearance Requirements
Key individuals associated with the business must obtain security clearances.
This typically applies to:
- directors and officers
- key investors
- senior management
Security clearance is a mandatory component of the application process.
Processing vs Micro-Processing
Standard processing licences differ from micro-processing licences in scale and flexibility.
- Standard: large-scale production, no strict caps
- Micro: limited production volumes, smaller facilities
👉 Related: Micro-Cultivation and Micro-Processing Licences
Ongoing Compliance Obligations
Licensed processors must comply with ongoing regulatory obligations, including:
- record keeping and reporting
- inventory tracking
- packaging and labelling rules
- inspections and audits
Non-compliance can result in licence suspension or revocation.
Why Work With Substance Law
- experience with cannabis regulatory frameworks
- assistance with application and licensing strategy
- guidance on facility and compliance requirements
- support throughout the licensing lifecycle
Work With a Cannabis Processing Licence Lawyer
Substance Law assists businesses with standard cannabis processing licences across Canada.
Contact Substance Law to discuss your processing licence application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cannabis processing licence in Canada?
A processing licence allows businesses to manufacture, extract, package, and distribute cannabis products.
What is the difference between standard and micro-processing licences?
Standard licences allow large-scale production, while micro licences have production limits and are designed for smaller operations.
Do I need a licence to make cannabis edibles?
Yes. A processing licence is required to manufacture cannabis edibles or infused products.
How long does it take to get a processing licence?
Timelines vary but often take several months depending on application complexity.
