Complete guide to permits and licenses required to start a cannabis in Madison, WI. Fees, renewal cycles, and agency contacts.
Zoning approval required first; cannabis signage prohibited.
Required for all LLCs; cannabis-specific operations prohibited under state law
Required for all LLCs; does not authorize cannabis activities
Applies to general retail sales; cannabis sales illegal at state level
Publication in newspaper required; applies to all businesses using DBAs
TR-1 form for combined registration; applies to all employers
Wisconsin does not permit legal cannabis sales; therefore a sales‑tax permit is only required if the LLC sells other taxable goods or services.
LLCs are taxed as partnerships by default and must file Wisconsin Form 3 (Partnership Return) annually. If the LLC elects corporate taxation, it files Wisconsin Form 1 (Corporate Income Tax) annually, due on the 15th day of the fourth month after the fiscal year (generally April 15 for calendar‑year filers).
After registration, withholding returns are filed monthly or quarterly depending on the amount of tax withheld.
Quarterly wage reports (Form UI‑1) and UI tax payments are due the last day of the month following each calendar quarter (e.g., Q1 due April 30).
Wisconsin does not have a separate franchise tax; corporate income tax serves that function.
Check the specific city’s website for exact fees and filing procedures.
Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 967.01‑967.55) prohibits the possession, sale, and cultivation of cannabis. Consequently, there is no legal cannabis excise tax or related registration in the state.
Cannabis businesses prohibited citywide; license application would be denied. For general businesses only.
Cannabis cultivation, retail, or processing banned in all zoning districts per Dane County Code Sec. 11.15.
No cannabis-specific allowances; state prohibition applies locally.
Required for all commercial tenant improvements; cannabis operations illegal regardless.
Cannabis-related hazardous materials (e.g., solvents) would trigger additional scrutiny if legal.
High-value businesses like hypothetical cannabis ops would require it.
Fire and building code compliance required first.
Cannabis edibles would require this IF legal; currently prohibited.
Required for all employers with one or more employees, including part-time and minor employees. Sole proprietors are not required to cover themselves unless they elect coverage. No cannabis-specific exemption exists, but industry does not alter this general requirement.
All U.S. businesses, including cannabis LLCs, must obtain an EIN for tax reporting purposes.
LLCs taxed as partnerships must file Form 1065 annually. If the LLC elects to be taxed as a corporation, Form 1120 applies.
Section 280E is a federal tax rule that specifically impacts cannabis businesses, prohibiting most deductions and credits.
Cannabis cultivation and processing facilities may have specific hazards (e.g., chemical exposure, confined spaces) that trigger OSHA standards.
Federal ADA applies regardless of state law; cannabis dispensaries are considered places of public accommodation.
Cultivation and extraction facilities often use hazardous chemicals; EPA regulations apply to their handling and disposal.
Cannabis businesses must ensure that all claims (e.g., health benefits) are substantiated to avoid FTC violations.
Applies to all employers, including cannabis dispensaries and cultivation facilities.
All employers, including cannabis businesses, must verify employee eligibility.
Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance; no DEA registration is available for its cultivation, manufacture, or distribution.
Cannabis businesses often operate with high cash volumes; compliance with CTR filing is mandatory.
Extraction processes may produce hazardous materials that require DOT compliance for transport.
Wisconsin does not currently have a legal medical or recreational cannabis program. The possession, sale, and cultivation of marijuana remain illegal under state law, except for limited CBD-only products under specific conditions. Therefore, no legal cannabis business entity (including LLCs) can be formed or operated under Wisconsin law at this time. Any compliance obligations for a cannabis business are not applicable because such businesses are not permitted.
Professional Liability, or Errors & Omissions Insurance, through the IRS can range from $500.00 to $2000.00, and it is a one-time requirement.
Obtaining a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS is currently free, but it is a required step for your business.
The IRS requires an annual update to your Employer Identification Number (EIN) information, ensuring your records are current.
IRC Section 280E disallows standard business deductions for businesses trafficking in controlled substances, including cannabis, significantly impacting your taxable income.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) does not charge a fee for compliance with advertising and consumer protection laws, but adherence is required to avoid potential penalties.
Permit Finder asks follow-up questions to give you an exact list of permits.
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