Application Process

Application Submission Options

License applications can be submitted through three channels:

• Directly to the GSC via Canna@gov.im
• Through a corporate services provider or registered business

The GSC treats all submission channels equally with no preference given to any particular method.

Eligibility

• Applicants must be an Isle of Man registered company.

• Companies must have a minimum of two on-island directors.

• Companies must nominate a Responsible Person (RP) as the key contact.

Restrictions

There is an exception when the conviction or offence is related to drugs; there are requirements under the Convention to which the GSC must comply with. For matters relating to previous convictions for drug offences, please contact the GSC.

Making an application

1. Identify the licence type that is correct for you and your business via Guidance Documents or Guidance Summaries. 
2. Understand the processes and requirements. We have prepared Guidance Documents to assist you.
3. Prepare your application and get all necessary paperwork ready using the Business Plan Checklist
4. Submit your application to the GSC for consideration.

GSC Review Criteria

The GSC will review submissions to ensure:

1. Applications are fully completed.
2. Required documents and information are provided.
3. Business model meets regulatory requirements.

Background Checks

Background checks will be required on a nominated 'key person' in accordance with the Misuse of Drugs (Cannabis Licences) (Data Processing) Regulations 2022. 

There is a section checklist on each Personal Declaration form which provides a list of all the required documents. The nominated key person must be one of:

Personal Declaration Form (PDF) Controlled Roles

• Responsible Person - Person named on a medicinal cannabis licence listed.
• Authorised Witness- A person authorised by the Commission to attest to the destruction.
• Person in Charge -  A person nominated by the Responsible Person to control the business.
• Person responsible for legal compliance - A person nominated by the Responsible Person to control the business.
• Company Director- A Director of a company, including non-executive.

Personal Declaration Form (PDF) Non-Controlled Roles

• Shareholder with more than or equal to 5% (private company) - Shareholders with more than 5% who acquire voting rights and qualify for dividends.
• Shareholder with more than or equal to 20% (public company) - Shareholders with more than 20% of a public companies shares. Or concert party holding the same in aggregate.
• Trustee (arrangement that confers ownership or financial privilege) - All trustees in an arrangement that confer ownership of, or financial privileges arising from the licence.

Simplified Personal Declaration Form (SPDF) 

• Investor - Investors in the business, regardless of any rewards – any person contributing money to a licence other than a customer.

Considerations

• Applicants must consider applicable guidelines from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency including good manufacturing practice (GMP) and good distribution practice (GDP).
• As part of the application process, applicants must also comply with Secure By Design guidelines and obtain the necessary accreditation.
• Companies looking for a license must contact the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to determine their regulatory requirements, as their business activities may fall under DHSC's jurisdiction instead of, or in addition to, GSC's oversight. Based on the specific nature of their medical cannabis operations.

  +441624 685816 

  dhsc@gov.im