Cannabis Permits & Licenses in West Jordan, UT

Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a cannabis in West Jordan, UT. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.

Utah LLC Registration

Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code
Required
Fee: $54.00-$54.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Required for all LLCs. Annual renewal report required separately.

Utah LLC Annual Renewal Report

Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code
Required
Fee: $18.00-$18.00
Renewal: annual
Type: registration

Applies to all active LLCs.

Medical Cannabis Production Establishment License

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF)
Required
Fee: $40000.00-$200000.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

For cannabis cultivation/production facilities. Recreational sales prohibited in Utah. Facility agent cards required separately for employees.

Medical Cannabis Pharmacy License

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF)
May Apply
Fee: $5000.00-$5000.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Only for dispensing medical cannabis products to cardholders. No recreational retail.

Medical Cannabis Courier License

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF)
May Apply
Fee: $2000.00-$2000.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Limited to licensed pharmacies.

Medical Cannabis Facility Agent Registration

Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF)
May Apply
Fee: $75.00-$75.00
Renewal: biennial
Type: registration

Criminal background check and training required. Prerequisite for operations.

Assumed Name (DBA) Registration

Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code
May Apply
Fee: $22.00-$22.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Applies to all businesses using DBAs.

Utah Sales Tax License

Utah State Tax Commission
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license

Medical cannabis subject to 8.25% sales tax (as of 2024).

Utah State Sales and Use Tax License

Utah State Tax Commission
Required
Fee: $15.00-$15.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

All cannabis businesses in Utah must collect and remit sales tax on retail sales of cannabis products. The state sales tax rate is 4.85%, plus local option taxes (typically 1-3%). This registration is mandatory for all retailers, including medical cannabis pharmacies licensed by the Department of Health.

Utah Withholding Tax Registration

Utah State Tax Commission
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Required for all employers in Utah. Cannabis businesses structured as LLCs must register if they have employees. This includes withholding state income tax from employee wages.

Utah Employer Unemployment Insurance (UI) Tax Registration

Utah Workforce Services
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

All employers in Utah must pay state unemployment insurance tax. Rates vary based on employer experience rating, but new employers pay 2.0% on the first $34,000 of each employee's wages (as of 2024).

Continuing Education for Dispensary Agents and Pharmacists

Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Cannabis
May Apply
Fee: $100.00-$300.00
Renewal: biennial
Type: permit

Dispensary agents and pharmacists must complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years, including at least 2 hours in medical cannabis-specific content. Certification renewal is tied to completion.

Utah Corporate Franchise/Income Tax Registration

Utah State Tax Commission
Required
Fee: $100.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

LLCs in Utah are generally pass-through entities for federal tax purposes, but must still register with the Utah State Tax Commission. Utah imposes a corporate franchise tax based on net income or capital, but for pass-through entities like LLCs, owners report income on personal returns. However, the LLC must file Form TC-20S/TC-20SN and pay a minimum $100 franchise tax annually.

Utah Medical Cannabis Excise Tax Registration

Utah State Tax Commission
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Utah imposes a 15% excise tax on the sale of medical cannabis products from cultivator to processor, and another 15% from processor to pharmacy (Utah Code § 26-61-104). This tax must be registered and reported via Form ET-100. Applies only to state-licensed medical cannabis entities, not general businesses.

Local Business License or Privilege Tax

Varies by municipality
May Apply
Fee: $25.00-$100.00
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

Most cities in Utah (e.g., Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Provo) require a local business license or privilege tax for all businesses operating within city limits. Fees and requirements vary. Cannabis businesses must also comply with zoning and local approval, even if state-licensed.

Utah Medical Cannabis Business License (Dispensary, Cultivation, Processing)

Utah Department of Health
Required
Fee: $10000.00-$200000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: license

All cannabis businesses must apply through the Utah Department of Health. Licensing is competitive and subject to background checks, zoning approval, and public hearing.

Metrc System Registration

Utah Department of Health / Utah Department of Agriculture and Food
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

All licensed cannabis businesses must use the Metrc system to track cultivation, processing, and sales. Integration is required for inventory and tax reporting.

Local Zoning and Land Use Approval

Local Municipal or County Planning Department
May Apply
Fee: $100.00-$500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Cannabis businesses must obtain zoning approval from city or county. Some jurisdictions prohibit cannabis operations entirely.

Salt Lake City Business License

Salt Lake City Corporation
May Apply
Fee: $125.00-$125.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Cannabis businesses prohibited in Salt Lake City per municipal code 5.78; license denied for cannabis. Confirm via SLC Business Licensing Division.

Salt Lake City Zoning Compliance (Cannabis Ban)

Salt Lake City Planning Division
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

No zoning approval for cannabis retail, production, or pharmacy agents in SLC.

Utah County Business License

Utah County Clerk/Auditor
May Apply
Fee: $105.00-$105.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Cannabis businesses may face additional scrutiny; must comply with state DOPL licensing first.

Provo City Business License

Provo City Licensing Division
May Apply
Fee: $100.00-$200.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Cannabis retail banned in Provo per municipal code; no licenses issued for cannabis pharmacy agents.

Ogden City Business License

Ogden City Corporation
May Apply
Fee: $150.00-$150.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Allowed only for state-licensed medical cannabis pharmacy agents in designated zones.

Ogden Zoning Verification for Cannabis Pharmacy

Ogden City Planning
May Apply
Fee: $250.00-$250.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Requires conditional use permit per Ogden Municipal Code 17-5F.

Building Permit for Retail/Production Facility

Varies by city/county (e.g., Salt Lake City Community & Economic Development)
May Apply
Fee: $500.00-$5000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Required for any structural changes; cannabis facilities need enhanced security per IBC/UFC amendments.

Fire Department Operational Permit

Local fire marshal
May Apply
Fee: $50.00-$200.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

Required for facilities with flammable liquids, extraction equipment.

Alarm System Permit

Local police/sheriff department
May Apply
Fee: $40.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

Required in all jurisdictions; cannabis mandates 24/7 monitoring.

Health Department Plan Review (if food handling)

Local Health Department (e.g., Salt Lake County Health)
May Apply
Fee: $300.00-$600.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Rare for cannabis but required if preparing cannabis-infused foods.

Sign Permit

Local Planning Department (e.g., Salt Lake City)
May Apply
Fee: $75.00-$300.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Must comply with local sign codes; state prohibits certain advertising.

Certificate of Occupancy

Local Building Official
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Required post-inspection for all commercial spaces.

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Utah Labor Commission - Division of Industrial Accident
May Apply
Fee: $1.50-$3.50
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Required for all employers with one or more employees in Utah, including part-time and minor employees. Cannabis businesses are not exempt. Sole proprietors with no employees may opt out. Coverage must be obtained through the Utah Workers' Compensation Fund or a qualified private carrier.

General Liability Insurance

Not applicable (no state mandate)
Required
Fee: $500.00-$2000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Mandated as part of the cannabis business licensing requirements. Applicants must provide proof of general liability insurance with minimum coverage of $2 million per occurrence and $4 million aggregate. Required for all licensed medical cannabis establishments (dispensaries, cultivation centers, processing facilities, etc.).

Surety Bond (Cannabis License Bond)

Utah Department of Health and Human Services - Medical Cannabis Program
Required
Fee: $10000.00-$10000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

A surety bond of $10,000 is required for all medical cannabis establishment licenses in Utah. This bond ensures compliance with state laws and regulations. The bond must be issued by a surety company licensed in Utah and submitted to the Department of Health and Human Services before a license is issued.

Commercial Auto Insurance

Utah Department of Public Safety - Driver License Division
May Apply
Fee: $1200.00-$2500.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

Required if the business owns or operates any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,000 lbs or used to transport controlled substances. For cannabis businesses, transportation of medical cannabis requires compliance with state transport rules, which may include enhanced insurance. Standard commercial auto liability insurance must meet Utah's minimum limits: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $65,000 per accident, $15,000 property damage.

Product Liability Insurance

Not applicable
Required
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

While not explicitly labeled 'product liability insurance' in statute, the requirement for $2 million per occurrence general liability insurance effectively covers product liability risks. The Utah Medical Cannabis Act requires all licensed medical cannabis establishments to maintain comprehensive liability coverage that includes product liability, given the nature of their products. This is enforced through the licensing process.

Cannabis Transport Insurance

Utah Department of Health and Human Services - Medical Cannabis Program
May Apply
Fee: $500.00-$2000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: certificate

All licensed cannabis businesses transporting products must maintain insurance covering the full value of shipments, with minimum coverage of $100,000 per shipment. Must comply with state security, tracking, and route regulations. Third-party transporters must also be insured and licensed.

EIN (Employer Identification Number) for LLC

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Required
Renewal: one time
Type: registration

All LLCs must obtain an EIN regardless of whether they have employees. Required for tax administration, banking, and licensing. This is a standard business requirement but is mandatory for cannabis businesses due to federal tax reporting obligations under IRS scrutiny.

IRS Tax Compliance – Income and Self-Employment Taxes (LLC)

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Required
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Cannabis businesses are subject to standard IRS income tax rules for LLCs. However, due to 26 U.S.C. § 280E, businesses trafficking in Schedule I or II controlled substances (including cannabis) are prohibited from deducting most business expenses, significantly increasing effective tax rates. This creates a unique federal tax burden specific to cannabis businesses.

IRS Form 990-T – Unrelated Business Income Tax (if applicable)

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: filing

Standard rule for tax-exempt organizations earning unrelated business income. Not typically applicable to for-profit cannabis LLCs in Utah. Included for completeness.

OSHA Workplace Safety Requirements

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

General duty clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act) requires employers to provide a safe workplace. While not cannabis-specific, cannabis businesses face unique hazards (extraction chemicals, mold, ergonomics in cultivation). OSHA enforces safety standards regardless of state cannabis legality.

ADA Compliance for Public Accommodations

Department of Justice (DOJ)
May Apply
Fee: $1000.00-$10000.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Requires accessibility for people with disabilities in facilities, policies, and communications. Applies to all public-facing businesses, including state-licensed medical cannabis dispensaries in Utah. Not cannabis-specific but critically important due to retail nature.

EPA Environmental Requirements – Hazardous Waste (RCRA)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Cannabis extraction facilities using hydrocarbons (e.g., butane) may generate hazardous waste regulated under RCRA. Must comply with storage, labeling, manifesting, and disposal rules. This is a key federal environmental compliance issue specific to certain cannabis operations.

EPA Air Emissions – Clean Air Act (CAA)

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Solvent-based extraction processes (e.g., BHO) may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) regulated under CAA. Facilities exceeding thresholds may require Title V operating permits. Enforcement is rare but legally applicable.

FTC Compliance – Advertising and Consumer Protection

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Required
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

FTC enforces truth-in-advertising rules. Cannabis businesses must avoid deceptive claims (e.g., unproven health benefits). Despite state legality, federal illegality complicates advertising; FTC may challenge ads that imply federal compliance or make unsubstantiated claims. Applies to all consumer-facing businesses but is heightened for cannabis due to regulatory tension.

DOL I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / USCIS
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

All U.S. employers must complete Form I-9 to verify identity and work authorization. Applies regardless of industry. Cannabis businesses are not exempt, even though federal illegality creates complications for employee screening.

DOL Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) – Wage and Hour Rules

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Requires minimum wage, overtime pay, and proper recordkeeping. Applies to all employers with employees. Cannabis businesses must comply despite federal conflict; DOL has enforced FLSA in state-legal cannabis states.

DOL Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Department of Labor (DOL)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Requires eligible employees to receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave. Applies to qualifying employers regardless of industry. Most Utah cannabis businesses are small and may not meet threshold, but included for completeness.

Controlled Substances Act (CSA) – Federal Illegality of Cannabis

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Required
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Cannabis remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law (21 U.S.C. § 812), making all cannabis businesses illegal under federal law regardless of state authorization. This is the foundational federal regulatory barrier. No federal licenses are available for commercial cannabis activity. All state-licensed cannabis businesses operate in conflict with federal law.

FDA Regulation of Cannabis Products (e.g., labeling, adulteration)

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

FDA prohibits the sale of cannabis or cannabis-derived products (e.g., edibles, tinctures) in interstate commerce and restricts health claims. Even in Utah’s medical cannabis program, FDA retains authority over product safety, labeling, and marketing. Businesses must not make unapproved therapeutic claims.

No Federal Business Licenses Available for Cannabis

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
Required
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Unlike alcohol (regulated by ATF) or tobacco (regulated by FDA), there are no federal licensing programs for commercial cannabis. The DEA does not issue licenses for cannabis businesses outside of limited research (e.g., Schedule I researcher licenses). All commercial cannabis operations in Utah are state-licensed only and remain federally illegal.

Annual License Renewal for Medical Cannabis Dispensary

Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Cannabis
Required
Fee: $5000.00-$5000.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

All medical cannabis dispensary licenses in Utah must be renewed annually by December 31. The renewal application and fee must be submitted electronically via the Utah Medical Cannabis Portal. This applies only to state-issued cannabis dispensary licenses under the Utah Medical Cannabis Act.

Business Entity Annual Report (LLC)

Utah Division of Corporations and Commercial Code
Required
Fee: $18.00-$18.00
Renewal: annual
Type: permit

All Utah LLCs must file an Annual Report with the Division of Corporations. The report is due on the anniversary of the business’s formation date. Filing is required regardless of cannabis involvement but is mandatory for ongoing compliance.

Local Business License Renewal

Varies by municipality (e.g., Salt Lake City, Provo, Ogden)
May Apply
Fee: $25.00-$100.00
Renewal: annual
Type: license

Most Utah municipalities require a local business license, which must be renewed annually. Requirements and deadlines vary by city or county. For example, Salt Lake City requires renewal by January 31. Cannabis businesses must comply with both state and local licensing.

Fire Safety Inspection

Local Fire Marshal (e.g., Unified Fire Authority, Salt Lake City Fire Department)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Cannabis dispensaries are subject to fire code inspections under the International Fire Code (IFC). Most jurisdictions require annual inspections. Inspection includes review of storage, ventilation, fire suppression, and egress.

Health Department Inspection (if applicable)

Local Health Department (e.g., Salt Lake County Health Department)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$150.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Utah currently prohibits the sale of cannabis edibles in dispensaries. However, if regulations change or if incidental food handling occurs, health inspections may apply. Currently, most dispensaries are not subject to routine health inspections.

Building Code Inspection

Local Building Department (e.g., Unified Fire Authority or city planning office)
May Apply
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Dispensaries must comply with the International Building Code (IBC). Inspections may occur during initial permitting and periodically thereafter. Jurisdictions may require re-inspection after renovations or occupancy changes.

State Cannabis Activity and Inventory Reporting

Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Cannabis
Required
Renewal: varies
Type: filing

All licensed dispensaries must submit monthly reports detailing inventory, sales, waste, and patient transactions through the Utah Medical Cannabis Tracking System (UMCTS). Reports must be accurate and timely.

Sales Tax Filing and Payment

Utah State Tax Commission
Required
Renewal: one time
Type: filing

Cannabis sales are subject to Utah state sales tax (currently 4.85% state rate + local rates up to 8.35%). Filings are submitted electronically via TaxExpress. Monthly filers must report and pay by the 20th.

Estimated Income Tax Payments (Corporation)

Utah State Tax Commission
Required
Renewal: varies
Type: filing

Utah corporations, including cannabis LLCs taxed as C-corps, must make quarterly estimated tax payments. Due dates are April 15, June 15, September 15, and January 15. Partnerships and disregarded entities may pass through liability to owners.

Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) Annual Filings

Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: varies
Type: filing

Cannabis businesses must comply with federal tax reporting despite federal illegality. Employers must file Form 941 quarterly, Form 940 annually (Federal Unemployment Tax), and corporate income tax Form 1120 by April 15. LLCs taxed as disregarded entities file Schedule C with owner’s return.

Record Retention for Cannabis Inventory and Transactions

Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Cannabis
Required
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Dispensaries must maintain records of all inventory, sales, waste, security logs, and patient verification for at least 3 years. Records must be accessible for inspection by the Division of Medical Cannabis at any time.

Display of State Cannabis License

Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Medical Cannabis
Required
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

The current state-issued medical cannabis dispensary license must be prominently displayed at the primary entrance of the facility. This is a condition of licensure.

Display of Required Labor Law Posters

Utah Department of Workforce Services
May Apply
Fee: $0.00-$0.00
Renewal: one time
Type: permit

Employers in Utah must display current labor law posters, including Minimum Wage, OSHA, and Utah Antidiscrimination Act. Posters must be visible to employees. Available for download from the Utah Labor Commission website.

Step-by-Step Compliance Guide

  1. First, obtain a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), as it is required for all cannabis businesses.
  2. Next, understand your IRS income and employment tax obligations as an LLC, which are required for federal tax compliance.
  3. Ensure compliance with the Federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) regarding cannabis prohibition, overseen by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
  4. Adhere to FTC compliance with advertising and consumer protection laws to avoid legal issues, with no associated fee.
  5. Comply with IRS Tax Obligations under IRC Section 280E, which impacts tax calculations for cannabis-related businesses.
  6. Maintain detailed recordkeeping for Section 280E compliance, as required by the IRS for accurate tax reporting.
  7. File Federal Income Tax (Form 1120 or 1065) with the IRS, with fees varying based on your business structure.
  8. Report any suspicious financial activity to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as legally required.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assuming a federal cannabis business license is available from the DEA is incorrect, as no such license currently exists.
  • Ignoring Section 280E of the IRS code can lead to significant tax penalties.
  • Failing to update your EIN annually with the IRS can cause compliance issues.
  • Believing that professional liability insurance is optional for a cannabis business is a mistake, as it's required.
  • Overlooking FTC advertising compliance can result in fines and legal action.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of Professional Liability/Errors & Omissions Insurance?

The IRS requires Professional Liability/Errors & Omissions Insurance for cannabis businesses, with costs ranging from $500.00 to $2000.00; this is a one-time requirement.

Is there a fee associated with obtaining an EIN?

No, obtaining a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS is free, but it is a required step for your business.

What does FTC compliance entail for a cannabis business in West Jordan?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires cannabis businesses to adhere to advertising and consumer protection laws, ensuring truthful marketing and fair business practices; there is no fee for this requirement.

How often do I need to file Federal and State Income Taxes?

Federal and State Income Tax Filings with the IRS and Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) are required annually, ensuring proper reporting of your business income.

What is IRC Section 280E and why is it important?

IRC Section 280E is a specific IRS tax code that disallows certain business expenses for businesses trafficking in controlled substances, like cannabis; compliance is crucial for accurate tax reporting and avoiding penalties.

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