Manufacturers extract cannabinoids and terpenes from cannabis plants and make products out of the extract. The types of products they make vary widely and include: food and beverages, vape cartridges, lotions and balms, lozenges and sublingual sprays, pills and tablets, and dab, shatter and wax.
Cannabis manufacturers use techniques and processes common in other types of consumer product manufacturing. Manufacturing steps differ based on the type of manufacturing, but generally include:
- Extraction of cannabinoids
- Post-processing (refinement) of cannabis extract
- Infusion of extract or plant material with other ingredients
- Packaging and labeling cannabis products
Manufacturing licenses
You need a manufacturing license to make cannabis products in California. The type of manufacturing license you need depends on:
- What activities you do
- Whether you do extraction and post processing
- What types of chemicals you use (if any)
You need a different license if you manufacture in a shared-use facility.
Learn more about manufacturing license types.
Good manufacturing practices (GMPs)
The Department of Cannabis Control’s regulations require manufacturers to follow good manufacturing practices (GMPs) when making products. GMPs help ensure products are:
- Free of contaminants and safe for consumers
- Produced consistently every time
- Labeled correctly
Manufacturers must demonstrate GMPs by:
- Maintaining a sanitary facility, equipment and utensils
- Using written procedures and instructions
- Documenting work
- Protecting against contamination
- Including controls in processes
- Practicing personal hygiene
Documenting GMPs
The product quality plan (PQP), master manufacturing protocol (MMP), and batch production record (BPR) are all part of the quality control program and critical to documenting GMPs. These documents are like the three points of a triangle, all necessary but focused on a specific goal.
The PQP is a foundational document that outlines each point, step, and/or stage in the manufacturing process. The PQP focuses on identifying, preventing, monitoring, and taking corrective action for the different risks and hazards that may cause the product to be adulterated or misbranded or cause the product to fail laboratory testing or quality assurance review.
The MMP is an organizing document that lists the written instructions for each point, step, or stage in the manufacturing process. Following the instructions in the MMP for each unique formulation and batch of cannabis product ensures the mitigation of any hazards identified in product quality and batch uniformity.
The BPR is a separate document from the PQP and MMP, created for each distinct production batch, that includes all points, steps, and/or stages in the manufacturing process. The BPR records information about the manufacturing process that confirms the manufacturer used the monitoring methods identified in the PQP and followed the MMP for each production batch.
Specifically, the BPR must capture actual values and observations obtained during monitoring or verification activities. Additionally, the BPR must include documentation that quality control personnel reviewed all required monitoring operations and approved, released, or rejected the finished cannabis product
Additional information
- California Code of Regulations (CCR) Article 4
- Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 Chapter 1 Subchapter B Part 117 Subpart B – Current Good Manufacturing Practices
Documenting manufacturing processes
Manufacturers must keep up-to-date documents with their procedures and instructions for making products.
Product quality plan
A product quality plan includes:
- An assessment of the potential hazards in your facility and manufacturing practices
- The preventative measures you use to mitigate risks
You must have a product quality plan for each type of product manufactured.
Closed-loop extraction systems
Checklist: closed-loop extraction systems
Cannabis manufacturers who utilize closed-loop extraction systems must ensure their extraction systems are operated and maintained according to the requirements established by DCC. These requirements govern the use of volatile or asphyxiating solvents, or flammable liquids, permissible extraction types, closed-loop extraction systems, and the continued certification of closed-loop extraction systems. This document is intended to outline the requirements that closed-loop extraction system operators must follow to ensure the compliant use of extraction systems.
Licensing system user guides
Related resources
Master manufacturing protocol checklist
The Master Manufacturing Protocol (MMP) is a written document that describes how to make a cannabis product. It lists the type and amount of each ingredient to use and each step that must be followed to safely and consistently produce the product.
Batch production record checklist
A Batch Production Record (BPR) is a detailed, written documentation of the work performed to manufacture or remediate a batch of cannabis or cannabis product.
Find out more about creating an effective allergen control program, as well as an overview of the major food allergens and where they are commonly found in cannabis products.
