The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) are hosting several cannabis permitting workshops in May and June.
“These free events are designed to help cultivators through the state licensing process,” said James Rosauer, CDFW Cannabis Program Supervisor. “Participants can ask specific project questions and meet staff face to face. There is no better time to get help with a state cultivator license.”
CDFA will provide an overview of the state’s cannabis cultivation licensing program and review the requirements for a cannabis farming license. CDFW will cover Lake and Streambed Alteration agreements and how to limit environmental impacts. SWRCB will review policy and permitting, and other important information. Computers will be available for applicants to apply for water permits. Other agencies may include CAL FIRE, the Department of Pesticide Regulation, the Franchise Tax Board among city and county representatives.
These free workshops are ideal for new and existing cannabis cultivators, and those interested in the topic. Attendees will have time to talk with state agency staff about individual projects after the presentations.
The free workshops are scheduled for the following dates and times:
Thursday, May 9, 2019:
WHERE: Arts and Community Building, 10400 Heather Avenue, California City, CA 93505
HOSTS: CDFA’s CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing, CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife, and State Water Board
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (presentations begin at 10:30 a.m.)
Tuesday, May 14, 2019:
WHERE: Mateel Community Center, 59 Rusk Lane, Redway, CA 95560
HOSTS: CDFA’s CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing, CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife, and State Water Board
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (presentations begin at 10:30 a.m.)
Thursday May 16, 2019:
WHERE: County Library Community Room, 995 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93403
HOSTS: CDFA’s CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing, CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife, and State Water Board
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (presentations begin at 10:30 a.m.)
Tuesday, June 25, 2019:
WHERE: Natural Resources Building – First floor auditorium, 1416 Ninth Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
HOSTS: CDFA’s CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing, CA Dept of Fish and Wildlife, and State Water Board
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (presentations begin at 10:30 a.m.)
All state agencies encourage cannabis cultivators to obtain all necessary state licenses and county permits, as well as implement best management practices to reduce environmental impacts. Following these recommendations can help cultivators avoid common pitfalls that may lead to enforcement actions.
To learn more about CDFW’s role in cannabis cultivation, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/cannabis or email AskCannabis@wildlife.ca.gov.
To report environmental crimes or a black market grow, please call the CalTIP hotline at (888) 334-2258 or text “CALTIP” followed by a space and the desired message, to 847411 (tip411).
