Regulations are state laws with specific rules for how businesses and others must operate. Regulations are created and changed through a process called rulemaking. Changes must be approved by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL).
The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is taking steps to simplify the cannabis regulations. View DCC’s proposed and completed rulemaking below.
Proposed changes
Track and Trace Requirements for Delivery of Cannabis Goods
Type: Regular rulemaking
Status: Accepting public comments through July 11, 2023.
The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is providing notice to the public of its intent to permanently adopt its emergency regulations that implements Assembly Bill 195 which requires that information relating to cannabis goods leaving a licensed retail premises in a delivery vehicle be recorded in the statewide track and trace system.
View the rulemaking documents:
Initial notice and proposal – May 26, 2023
- Notice of Proposed Rulemaking – Track and Trace Requirements for Delivery of Cannabis Goods (May 2023)
- Regulation Text – Track and Trace Requirements for Delivery of Cannabis Goods (May 2023)
- Initial Statement of Reasons – Track and Trace Requirements for Delivery of Cannabis Goods (May 2023)
How to submit a public comment
You can comment on the proposed regulations through Tuesday, July 11, 2023. You can submit comments by mail or email. You only need to submit your comment by one method.
Send your comment to DCC, and reference the rulemaking topic (“track and trace delivery requirements”):
- By mail: DCC Legal Affairs Division, 2920 Kilgore Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
- By email: publiccomment@cannabis.ca.gov
You can also submit your comment verbally through a virtual public comment hearing which will be held:
- Tuesday, July 11, 2023, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Read tips for submitting a public comment. We’ve created a public comment template to make it easy for you to submit your feedback.
Proposal to adopt regulations for standard cannabinoids test method and standardized operating procedures
Type: Regular rulemaking
Status: Accepting public comments through May 23, 2023
The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is providing notice to the public of its intent to adopt regulations to implement and make specific Business and Professions Code section 26100(f)(2) pertaining to the establishment of a standard cannabinoids test method, including standardized operating procedures, that shall be utilized by all licensed testing laboratories in California. Through the proposed regulations, the DCC aims to ensure all licensed laboratories are using the same standardized cannabinoid test method which will ensure consumers receive accurate and consistent information regarding the cannabinoid content of the cannabis and cannabis product they use or consume.
View the rulemaking documents:
- Additional Modifications to Proposed Text – May 8, 2023
- Further Modifications to Proposed Text – October 4, 2022
- Modifications to notice and text – August 31, 2022
- Correction to notice – July 14, 2022
- Initial notice and proposal – June 17, 2022
- Notice of proposed rulemaking – standard cannabinoids test method and standardize operating procedures
- Regulation text – standard cannabinoids test method and standardize operating procedures
- Initial statement of reasons – standard cannabinoids test method
- Validation of a UPLC method for cannabinoids concentration quantification in cannabis flower
How to submit a public comment
You can comment on the proposed regulations through May 23, 2023. You can submit comments by mail or email. You only need to submit your comment by one method.
Send your comment to DCC, and reference the rulemaking topic (“Additional Modifications to Test Method and Standardized Operating Procedures Regulations”):
- By mail: DCC Legal Affairs Division, 2920 Kilgore Road, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
- By email: publiccomment@cannabis.ca.gov
Read tips for submitting a public comment. We’ve created a public comment template to make it easy for you to submit your feedback.
DCC Conflict of Interest Code
Type: Special rulemaking
Status: Under review
California law requires all state and local government agencies to establish and follow a Conflict of Interest Code. These codes require agency officials who routinely participate in decisions to publicly disclose personal financial information. They designate:
- Which employee positions must file a Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests
- The financial interests that those employees must disclose
DCC is proposing to adopt a Conflict of Interest Code.
The Political Reform Act prohibits public officials and employees from using their official positions to influence governmental decisions in which they have financial interests. A Conflict of Interest Code helps identify and disclose potential conflicts of interest. Learn more about the Political Reform Act on the Fair Political Practices Commission’s website.
View the rulemaking documents:
- Initial notice and proposal – January 28, 2022
Completed rulemaking actions
Proposal to adopt regulations for large cultivation licenses and conversion to large and medium licenses
Type: Regular rulemaking
Status: Approved and filed December 30, 2022. Effective January 1, 2023.
The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has adopted regulations t for obtaining a Large Cultivation License under MAUCRSA. These regulations also provide a pathway for existing licensees to convert to multiple smaller licenses into a Large or Medium Cultivation License.
View the rulemaking documents:
- Approved text of regulations – large cultivation licenses and conversion to large and medium licenses
- Updated final statement of reasons – large cultivation licenses and conversion to large and medium licenses (December 30, 2022)
- Notice of Further Modifications to Proposed Text – large cultivation licenses and conversion to large and medium licenses (December 5, 2022)
- Further Modified Text of Regulations – large cultivation licenses and conversion to large and medium licenses (December 5, 2022)
- Notice of Withdrawal of Submission – large cultivation licenses and conversions
- Final Statement of Reasons – large cultivation licenses and conversions (withdrawn)
- Modifications to notice and text – August 30, 2022
- Correction to notice – July 14, 2022
- Initial notice and proposal – June 17, 2022
Emergency regulations for track and trace requirements for delivery of cannabis goods
Type: Emergency rulemaking
Status: Approved and filed December 27, 2022. Effective December 27, 2022.
The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has adopted emergency regulations implementing Assembly Bill 195 which requires that information relating to cannabis and cannabis products leaving a licensed retail premises in a delivery vehicle be recorded in the statewide track and trace system.
View the rulemaking documents:
- Approved regulations – December 27, 2022
- Initial notice and proposal
Proposal to adopt regulations for cannabis license fee waivers and deferrals
Type: Regular rulemaking (certificate of compliance)
Status: Approved and filed with the Secretary of State on December 15, 2022. Effective as of December 15, 2022
The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is providing notice to the public of its intent to permanently adopt its emergency regulations to provide license fee waivers and to implement fee deferrals under the Department’s equity fee relief program. Senate Bill 166 required DCC to develop and implement a program to provide waivers for cannabis licensing fees, with at least 60 percent of the total amount of fee waivers allocated to fee waivers for local equity applicants and licenses. The cannabis equity fee waiver program is designed to assist commercial cannabis license applicants and licensees who have been harmed by the War on Drugs.
View the rulemaking documents:
- Approved text of regulations – cannabis license fee waivers and deferrals (December 15, 2022)
- Updated final statement of reasons – cannabis license fee waivers and deferrals (December 15, 2022)
- Updated informative digest – cannabis license fee waivers and deferrals (December 15, 2022)
- Final statement of reasons – cannabis license Fee waivers and deferrals
- Modifications to notice and text – September 2, 2022
- Initial notice and proposal – June 17, 2022
Consolidated cannabis regulations
Type: Regular rulemaking (certificate of compliance)
Status: Approved and filed November 7, 2022. Effective November 7, 2022.
The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has adopted a consolidated regulatory package that streamlines and simplifies cannabis regulations, eases burdens for licensees, and enhances consumer and youth protections. These regulations, which reflect community and industry input, are now in effect.
View the rulemaking documents:
- Approved Text of Regulations – November 7, 2022
- Disciplinary Guidelines, Amended July 2022
- Final Statement of Reasons – Consolidated Cannabis Regulations
- Form DCC-LIC-019, Standard Operating Procedures (New 2/22)
- Form DCC-LIC-021, Sampling SOP (Amended 2/22)
- Form DCC-LIC-022, Sample Preparation Procedures (Amended 2/22)
- Form DCC-LIC-023, Test Method Procedures (Amended 2/22)
- Form DCC-LIC-024, Data Package Cover Page Checklist (Amended 2/22)
- Form DCC-LIC-027, Notifications and Requests to Modify a License (Amended 2/22)
- Form DCC-LIC-028, Notifications and Requests Regarding Regulatory Compliance (New 2/22)
- Form DCC-LIC-029, Notifications and Requests Regarding Testing Laboratories (New 2/22)
- Final Statement of Reasons – Consolidated Cannabis Regulations
- Revised proposal for 15-day comment period – July 6, 2022
- Notice of Modification to Proposed Text of Regulations
- Modified Text of Proposed Regulations
- Note: Modifications to the proposed text of regulations are shown in either bold, double underlined or bold, double strikethrough type font.
- Initial notice and proposal – March 4, 2022
- Proposed regulation text
Cannabis license fee waivers
Type: Readoption of emergency regulations
Status: Approved June 6, 2022
The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is providing notice to the public of its intent to readopt its emergency regulations implementing Senate Bill 166 which requires DCC to develop and implement a program to provide waivers for cannabis licensing fees, with at least 60 percent of the total amount of fee waivers allocated to fee waivers for local equity applicants and licenses, as required by law. The cannabis equity fee waiver program is designed to assist commercial cannabis license applicants and licensees who have been harmed by the War on Drugs. DCC proposes this readoption action to allow emergency regulations, with amendments, to remain in place while DCC continues working to begin the process of permanently adopting the regulations through the regular rulemaking action.
View the rulemaking documents:
View the proposed finding of emergency and notice of proposed readoption and the proposed text of emergency regulations below:
- Approved regulations – June 6, 2022
- Initial notice and proposal – May 18, 2022
Consolidated cannabis regulations
Type: Readoption of emergency regulations
Status: Approved March 28, 2022
The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is proposing to readopt its emergency regulations that consolidate the commercial cannabis regulations. This readoption would allow the emergency regulations to remain in place while DCC completes the regular rulemaking process, which began on Friday, March 4.
View the rulemaking documents:
- Approved regulations – March 28, 2022
- Initial notice and proposal – March 10, 2022
AB 1525: Information sharing with financial institutions (Certificate of Compliance)
Type: Regular rulemaking (certificate of compliance)
Status: Approved March 8, 2022
DCC is proposing to adopt regulations to implement Assembly Bill 1525. The regulations allow licensees to authorize us to share information with financial institutions.
These regulations are currently active as emergency regulations. This action would adopt them more permanently through the regular rulemaking process.
View the rulemaking documents:
- Approved regulations – March 8, 2022
- Proposal submitted to OAL – January 27, 2022
- Initial notice and proposal – November 19, 2021
Equity fee waivers
Type: Emergency rulemaking
Status: Approved December 20, 2021
DCC adopted emergency regulations to provide licensing fee waivers to qualified equity businesses statewide. The waivers are designed to assist individuals harmed by the War on Drugs with starting and operating a cannabis business. The regulations implement the fee waiver provisions of Senate Bill 166.
This statewide program provides financial support to cannabis business by waiving licensing fees if applicants and licensees meet the equity eligibility criteria, such as past cannabis convictions or arrests, reduced income or residence in an area disproportionately impacted by past criminal justice policies, as well as other criteria.
The emergency regulations add specificity to eligibility criteria established through SB 166 and establish a process for equity applicants and licensees to request waivers for licensing fees.
Learn more about California’s equity initiatives.
View the rulemaking documents:
- Approved regulations – December 20, 2021
- Initial notice and proposal – December 3, 2021
Quick-response (QR) code
Type: Regular rulemaking
Status: Approved November 15, 2021
QR code certificates help the public check if a cannabis business is licensed. This helps people distinguish licensed cannabis businesses from unlicensed ones. Retailers and distributors must display the certificate. Employees transporting or delivering cannabis goods must also carry the QR code certificate.
View the rulemaking documents:
- Approved regulations – November 15, 2021
- Proposal submitted to OAL – October 5, 2021
- Initial notice and proposal – August 6, 2021
Application process requirements
Type: Regular rulemaking
Status: Withdrawn
DCC will not proceed with the rulemaking to change application process requirements. The Bureau of Cannabis Control began this rulemaking in fall 2020.
Notice of decision not to proceed
Consolidation of the cannabis regulations
Type: Emergency rulemaking
Status: Approved September 27, 2021
DCC conducted an emergency rulemaking action. This rulemaking combined the three sets of cannabis regulations into one. It consolidates, clarifies and makes consistent licensing and enforcement requirements for cannabis businesses.
View the rulemaking documents:
- Approved regulations – September 27, 2021
- Proposed regulations and supporting documents – September 8, 2021
- Finding of emergency and notice of proposed emergency regulations
- Proposed text of regulations
- Proposed disciplinary guidelines
- Proposed Forms: DCC-LIC-025 (Repealed), DCC-LIC-026 (Repealed), DCC-LIC-015, DCC-LIC-016, DCC-LIC-017, DCC-LIC-018, DCC-LIC-020, DCC-LIC-021, DCC-LIC-022, DCC-LIC-023, DCC-LIC-024, DCC-LIC-027, DCC-LIC-028, DCC-LIC-029
AB 1525: Information sharing with financial institutions
Type: Emergency rulemaking
Status: Approved February 2021 and readopted August 2, 2021
The three cannabis programs adopted emergency regulations to implement Assembly Bill 1525 in February 2021. The regulations allow licensees to authorize us to share information with financial institutions.
The emergency regulations were first adopted in February 2021. This rulemaking was conducted to readopt the emergency regulations and extend their effective date.
View the rulemaking documents:
- Approved regulations – August 2, 2021
- Initial notice and proposal – July 16, 2021
Re-titling of cannabis regulations
Type: Section 100
Status: Approved July 14, 2021
The three existing sets of regulations were moved into one title in the California Code of Regulations. The cannabis regulations are now together in Title 4, Division 19. Sections were also renumbered. No changes were made to the requirements in regulation.
This change used a rulemaking action called a Section 100. Section 100 lets agencies make changes to regulations that have no regulatory effect.
View the rulemaking documents:
- Statements of explanation:
- Changes to cannabis regulations:
- Cultivation
- Manufacturing
- Other license types
- Disciplinary Guidelines (excluding cultivation and manufacturing), transportation procedures, inventory procedures, non laboratory quality control procedures, security procedures, delivery procedures, sampling standard operating procedures, sample preparation operating procedures, test methods operating procedures, data package cover page and checklist, CEQA project specific information, CEQA exemption, notification and request
Regulations issued by the former cannabis programs
Email regulations@cannabis.ca.gov for copies of previous rulemaking files. You can also view them online:
How regulations are made
Regulations are made through a process called rulemaking. It gives the public the opportunity to take part in the creation of regulations proposed by California state agencies. Learn more about the rulemaking process.
