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Bureau of Cannabis Control – Licensing Information

The Bureau of Cannabis Control (Bureau) is the lead agency in regulating commercial cannabis licenses for medical and adult-use cannabis in California. The Bureau is responsible for licensing retailers, distributors, testing labs, microbusinesses, and temporary cannabis events. The Bureau is currently accepting licensing applications through its online licensing system. New users will be required to register an account prior to applying for a license. The Bureau’s online licensing system, fillable applications forms, and e-Learning portal can be found in the links provided below.

Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch – Licensing Information

The Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch, a division of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), is responsible for regulating the manufacturers of cannabis-infused edibles for both medical and nonmedical use. CDPH is currently accepting licensing applications.

Applications for annual licenses will be accepted through an online licensing system – the Manufactured Cannabis Licensing System (MCLS). This application will require information on the business, owners and financial interest holders, and operating premises, as well as descriptions of procedures for waste disposal, inventory and quality control, transportation and security. Businesses in operation under the Compassionate Use Act prior to September 1, 2016, will receive priority application review. 

Applicants must be in compliance with city or county ordinances. During the application review process, CDPH will contact the city or county to verify the local authorization. If the applicant does not provide a copy of their local authorization, the local office will have 60 days to respond. If the applicant includes a copy of their local authorization with their application, the local office will have 10 days to respond.

CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing – Licensing Information

CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing, a division of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), is responsible for licensing cultivators of medicinal and adult-use (recreational) cannabis and implementing a track-and-trace system to record the movement of cannabis through the distribution chain. CDFA is currently accepting licensing applications. Their online licensing application system, step-by-step training videos, and fillable application forms can be found in the links provided below.