DEA21 CFR 1301.13(k)(1)
Three DEA marijuana registration types
Licensing & registrationLast verified Nov 7, 2026
DEA registers state-licensed medical marijuana businesses as one of three types: manufacturer (cultivate, produce, process, package, label and transfer to distributors or other manufacturers), distributor (receive from manufacturers and transfer to dispensers or other distributors) and dispenser (dispense to people authorized by state law for medical use). One business may hold more than one type.
Why it matters
DEA does not use OMMA license names. Growers and processors fall under manufacturer, transporters moving wholesale product fall under distributor, and dispensaries fall under dispenser.
Applies to Grower/Processor/Dispensary/Transporter/Lab
Connected rules
- Schedule III and timely applicants — Timely-applicant status under Schedule III.
- One registration and record set per location — Each location needs its own registration.
Sources