If you’ve been wondering how to get a cannabis license in the U.S. Virgin Islands, you’re not alone. With legalization still fresh and the territory rolling out its first wave of licensing, it’s a prime opportunity for entrepreneurs and investors to establish a foothold in this emerging market.
And here’s the exciting part: it’s not too late to get a cultivation license in the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you’re interested in growing cannabis commercially on St. Croix, St. Thomas, or St. John, applications for cultivation licenses are still open—and the time to act is now.
Let’s walk through exactly how to get a cannabis license in the USVI, what types of licenses are available, what the application requires, and how The Helpful Content team can help you build a winning strategy from day one.
Why the U.S. Virgin Islands?
The U.S. Virgin Islands passed its adult-use cannabis law in early 2023, setting the stage for a well-regulated and socially responsible industry. Since then, the Office of Cannabis Regulations (OCR) has released a phased application schedule for various license types. Each license is issued through a merit-based scoring system, so being well-prepared is critical.
For those looking into how to get a cannabis license in the USVI, the rules prioritize local ownership, compliance readiness, and a strong business foundation—which is exactly where we can help.
Timelines for Cannabis Business Licenses in the USVI
The OCR established specific application periods for each license type:
- Cultivation Licenses: Applications open on May 2, 2025, and close on June 7, 2025. Licenses will be awarded on August 18, 2025.
- Manufacturing Licenses: Application period was from January 7 to February 24, 2025, with licenses awarded on April 28, 2025.
- Dispensary Licenses: Application period was from December 20, 2024, to February 4, 2025, with licenses awarded on March 24, 2025.
- Research and Development Licenses: Application period was from November 20, 2024, to January 7, 2025, with licenses awarded on March 10, 2025.
License Types: Which One Fits Your Business?
To understand how to get a cannabis license, you first need to know which type is right for you. The USVI offers several cannabis license types:
- Cultivation License – For growing cannabis commercially (STILL OPEN!)
- Micro-Cultivation Permit – Small-scale growing for residents
- Manufacturing License – For cannabis product creation
- Dispensary License – For retail sales to adults and patients
- Research & Development License
- Testing Laboratory License
- On-Site Consumption Lounge
- Event-Based Temporary Use Permits
Each license is capped per island.
- St. Croix: 15 licenses available for cultivation licenses, 7 dispensary licenses.
- St. Thomas: 15 licenses available for cultivation licenses, 7 dispensary licenses.
- St. John: 5 licenses available for cultivation licenses, 3 dispensary licenses.
That means 35 total cultivation licenses across the USVI—and you still have time to apply.
Not Too Late: Cultivation License Deadline
If you’re trying to figure out how to get a cannabis cultivation license in the U.S. Virgin Islands, here’s what you need to know:
🗓 Application Window: May 2 – June 7, 2025
🏆 Licenses Awarded: August 18, 2025
Compared to other license types, like dispensaries and manufacturers (which have already closed), cultivation licenses are still up for grabs. Don’t miss your chance to enter the market on the ground floor.
How to Get a Cannabis License: Application Requirements
The USVI cannabis license application is detailed and competitive. Here’s what you’ll need:
✅ Proof of residency – At least 51% of ownership must be Virgin Islands residents
✅ Business documentation – Articles of incorporation, org chart, financial sources
✅ Premises control – Lease, deed, or option agreement for a compliant property
✅ Security & emergency plans – Comprehensive SOPs, response strategies
✅ Community engagement & social equity plan – Especially important for bonus points
✅ Federal EIN & local business license application
Applicants are scored out of 1,000 points—with an additional 150 points available for social equity candidates. If you’re serious about learning how to get a cannabis license in the Virgin Islands, the key is to maximize every point.
How The Helpful Content Team Can Help You Win
Trying to figure out how to get a cannabis license in the U.S. Virgin Islands without expert guidance? That’s risky. Regulations are evolving, and missing even a small detail can cost you your spot.
Here’s what we offer:
🌿 Application Writing & Review – We help you tell your business’s story in a compelling, compliant way
🌿 Custom SOPs – Standard Operating Procedures that align with OCR’s expectations
🌿 Compliance-First Business Plans – Financials, operational plans, and community benefit strategies
🌿 Residency Strategy – Guidance for Virgin Islanders or partners who meet the requirements
🌿 Document Prep & Timeline Support – So you never miss a deadline or document requirement
If you’re serious about getting a cannabis license, don’t go it alone. Partner with The Helpful Content team to give your application the polish and professionalism it needs to stand out.
Final Thoughts: It’s Still Go-Time for Cultivators
There may only be a limited number of licenses available, but it’s not too late to get a cultivation license in the U.S. Virgin Islands. In fact, now is the best time to act if you want to launch your business with the first generation of licensed cannabis operators in the Caribbean.
If you’ve been asking yourself how to get a cannabis license, this is your answer: act fast, get compliant, and bring in the right team to support your vision.
👉 Contact The Helpful Content today to get started with your USVI cultivation license application. From SOPs to strategy, we’ve got your back.
