Cannabis Licensing & Compliance Specialist

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Virginia; On-site; USD 42,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

VA Cannabis Control Authority is seeking a Licensing Associate to support licensing, registration, and regulatory oversight within a fast-paced government environment. This role emphasizes reviewing applications for accuracy, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with cannabis laws and program requirements.

You will participate in reporting, data management, and stakeholder interactions, providing clear guidance on licensing processes.

Qualifications

• Ability to learn state cannabis laws, regulations, and program requirements.
• Licensing, registration, and permitting processes within a regulatory agency.
• Documentation standards and administrative procedures.
• Basic understanding of compliance and enforcement concepts.
• Application review and data verification.
• Written and verbal communication.
• Customer service and stakeholder engagement.
• Report drafting and recordkeeping.
• Use of databases, spreadsheets, and digital filing systems.
• Interpret and apply regulatory requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Work independently and collaboratively with regulatory staff.
• Manage multiple priorities with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Understand cannabis licensing requirements, patient certification processes, and product registration standards.
• Review applications for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage high-volume administrative workflows and maintain accurate records.
• Support fee collection, reporting requirements, and system data integrity.
• Identify potential compliance issues during application and documentation review.
• Reliably report facility concerns to compliance and enforcement staff.
• Understand regulatory requirements governing cannabis facilities and product standards.
• Prepare and maintain organized documentation supporting program oversight.
• Draft reports related to licensing, product registration, and regulatory matters.
• Maintain accurate and auditable records.
• Respond to inquiries from a diverse group of program stakeholders.
• Provide clear guidance on licensing requirements and program processes.
• Represent the agency professionally in interactions with cannabis facilities and the public.
• Use licensing databases, registration systems, and document management tools.
• Handle confidential information per policy.
• Prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in fast-paced environment.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Customer service

Stakeholder engagement

Data verification

Database & spreadsheets

Regulatory concepts

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, health administration, regulatory affairs, or related field

Tools

Licensing databases

Registration systems

Document management tools

Case management software

Job description

VA Cannabis Control Authority is seeking a Licensing Associate to support licensing, registration, and regulatory oversight within a fast-paced government environment. This role emphasizes reviewing applications for accuracy, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with cannabis laws and program requirements.

You will participate in reporting, data management, and stakeholder interactions, providing clear guidance on licensing processes.