Posts in california cannabis
Cannabis Scandal | Pasadena, CA
Cannabis Scandal | Pasadena, CA
 
pasadena-ca-licensing-scandal.jpg
 

In 2019, Pasadena, California accepted business applications and rewarded 6 Cannabis Retail Licenses. Critics now say that the local regulators reviewing these applications have violated the process that they created.

Scoring Structure

  • Three independent scorers must score each cannabis application

  • Scores were then totaled and averaged

  • The top 6 applications will be rewarded licenses

HDL Companies, a cannabis tax consulting firm, was hired to oversee the application process. Applications show only one independent scorer’s signature, not three. The scores were then “reviewed,” and later signed, by the firm’s “marijuana compliance manager,” who was in contact with each team member during weekly conference calls, erasing any notion of scorer independence.

There are currently four lawsuits challenging the results of the application process and two city councilpersons have recently begun raising red flags about the city’s selection process.


For Cannabis Business Licensing help, call at . We help cannabis business owners navigate the complex world of State and Local Cannabis Regulations while helping to develop and grow your business in the right direction. CAP can assist with projects large or small. Whether you’re looking for full-service state and local cannabis licensing or other services such as Cannabis Pro Forma, Cannabis Business Plan, Cannabis Business SOP, and Cannabis Investor Presentation development, we have you covered.

California to Open More Medicinal Cannabis Stores
California to Open More Medicinal Cannabis Stores
 
medicinal-cannabis-stores-in-california.jpg
 

Assembly Member Ting brought new life back into a bill that will require California cities that voted for Proposition 64 to open medical cannabis stores. Assembly Member Ting stopped AB-1356 during the last legislative session after the League of California Cities opposed the bill. The bill is scheduled for a third vote in the Assembly. 

An analysis of the legislation indicates that 76% of Californian cities ban medical storefronts as well as 69% of the counties. Assembly Member Ting believes that the legislation will help curb the black market and promote access to medical cannabis products.

The number of medical cannabis stores that a city will be required to open will be based on the active number of liquor store licenses in the city. The amended bill reduced the number of medical cannabis permits that a city must offer from 25% of liquor store licenses to 16.6%. If the number results in a ratio greater than one than the city can limit the number of stores to one for every 15,000 residents in the city.

Cities that obtained a ballot vote on cannabis businesses on or after January 1, 2017 are exempt from this requirement. The bill also allows a city to reduce the number of required medical cannabis stores if a majority of voters support a ballot measure that contains an ordinance limiting medical cannabis dispensaries in the next upcoming election.


For Cannabis Business Licensing help, call at . We help cannabis business owners navigate the complex world of State and Local Cannabis Regulations while helping to develop and grow your business in the right direction. CAP can assist with projects large or small. Whether you’re looking for full-service state and local cannabis licensing or other services such as Cannabis Pro Forma, Cannabis Business Plan, Cannabis Business SOP, and Cannabis Investor Presentation development, we have you covered.

adult use cannabis, business licensing, business application, california cannabis, california business, cannabis, cannabis advising partner, cannabis application, cannabis business, cannabis business license, cannabis business plan, cannabis business sop, cannabis compliance, cannabis consulting, cannabis community, cannabis consumption, cannabis cultivation, cannabis delivery, cannabis dispensary, cannabis history, cannabis industry, cannabis investor, cannabis industry growth, cannabis law, cannabis legalization, cannabis license, cannabis licensing, cannabis licensing app, cannabis microbusiness, cannabis news, cannabis pro forma, cannabis politics, cannabis regulation, cannabis regulations, cannabis retailer, cannabis retail license, cannabis retail, cbd, commercial cannabis, consulting services, dispensary application, licensed cannabis busines, legalization, los angeles weed retail, marijuana law, marijuana news, medical cannabis, medicinal cannabis, medicine, news, new cannabis law, prop 64, retail application, weed news, weed politics, weed dispensary, state marijuana lawsIzzy Guarrasicannabis, cannabis retail, cannabis storefront, cannabis retail application, cannabis retailer, medicinal marijuana, medical marijuana delivery, medical marijuana, medical cannabis, cannabis business licensing, cannabis business, cannabis news, cannabis business sop, cannabis business plan, cannabis sop, cannabis investing, cannabis advising partners, cannabis regulations, cannabis licensing, cannabis license, prop 64, california cannabis, california dispensary
City of Oxnard | Cannabis Business Applications Guidelines 2020
City of Oxnard | Cannabis Business Applications Guidelines 2020
oxnard-cannabis-application.jpg

City of Oxnard

Planning Division 214 South “C” Street Oxnard, CA 93030

P: 805.200-5885

E: planning@oxnard.org www.oxnard.org/planning

COMMERCIAL CANNABIS BUSINESS APPLICATION PROCEDURE GUIDELINES (Retail and Testing)

Application Deadline OPENS – February 18, 2020 CLOSES – April 2, 2020 @ 5:00 PM


For Cannabis Business Licensing help, call at . We help cannabis business owners navigate the complex world of State and Local Cannabis Regulations while helping to develop and grow your business in the right direction. CAP can assist with projects large or small. Whether you’re looking for full-service state and local cannabis licensing or other services such as Cannabis Pro Forma, Cannabis Business Plan, Cannabis Business SOP, and Cannabis Investor Presentation development, we have you covered.


Information regarding the Commercial Cannabis Business (CCB) Application process can be found on the City’s website at https://www.oxnard.org/cannabis-regulations/ and includes the following:

 California state regulations and resources

 Commercial Cannabis Business Application

 Oxnard City Code (OCC) Chapters 11 and 16

 Background application and Live Scan form(s)

 Ordinance Nos. 2972, 2965, 2960

 Resolution No. 15,134

 Limitations on City’s Liability waiver

The application process to operate a CCB in Oxnard will open on Monday, February 18, 2020 and close at 5:00 p.m. on April 2, 2020. CCB Applications will be available from the Planning Division located at 214 South “C” Street, Oxnard, CA, 93030 and available online – see: https://www.oxnard.org/cannabis-regulations/. CCB Applications must be returned to the Planning Division prior to the deadline by appointment only.

CCB Applications may be reviewed at the public counter by the counter planning staff and missing materials may be identified. Materials may be resubmitted provided all materials are submitted prior to April 2, 2020. CCB Applications which are determined to be incomplete based upon counter staff’s review at the public counter will not be retained, and should be taken by the applicant and resubmitted with complete materials by the CCB Application deadline.

For questions regarding the CCB Application process, please review the information on the Oxnard website: https://www.oxnard.org/cannabis-regulations/. This CCB Application process is adopted pursuant to OCC Chapters 11 and 16.

CCB APPLICATION SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

All CCB Application materials required for Phases 1 – 4, must be submitted with the Phase 1 CCB Application submittal. Applicants must hand deliver one (1) signed original CCB Application (pages 1 -7), one (1) hard copy of all of the submittal requirements found at the bottom of page one (1) of the CCB Application form, and a flash drive containing a scanned copy of the signed CCB Application (pdf format) and all of the submittal requirements found at the bottom of page one (1) of the CCB Application form (pdf format).

Please Note: Responses to the Evaluation Criteria (Sections 1-8 found in the Appendix A of the Application Procedures Guidelines) shall be limited to 125 pages. Responses pertaining to Background and Proof of Capitalization are not included in the 125 page limit.

Submittal documents should be saved in a separate digital file from the Evaluation Criteria Separate PDF files should be saved on the flash drive as follows:

 File #1 – CCB Application with signatures (pages 1-7)

 File #2 – Evaluation Criteria (Responses to Sections 1-8 and limited to 125 pages)

 File #3 – Proof of Capitalization (All bank statements, loan documents, promissory notes, financial and commitment letters)

CITY’S RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

The City reserves the right to reject any and/or all applications, with or without cause or reason. The City may modify, postpone, or cancel the request for a CCB license without liability, obligation, or commitment to any party, firm, or organization. In addition, the City reserves the right to request and obtain additional information from any candidate submitting an application. Late or incomplete applications WILL BE REJECTED. Furthermore, an application RISKS BEING REJECTED for the following reasons:

 It is not fully responsive to this request for a CCB application.

 It contains excess or extraneous material not called for in the request the CCB application. And exceeds 125 pages ( File 2) in response to the evaluation criteria

 The issuance of the CCB license at the proposed location is inconsistent with State law, OCC Section 11.433, or other applicable Oxnard city codes.

AMENDMENTS TO THE APPLICATION

After April 2, 2020, Applicants will not be allowed to make amendments to their application or to supplement their application, except as otherwise specifically permitted in these procedures or as authorized in writing by the City.

The following procedures outline the application evaluation and selection process, required materials, and other information necessary to apply for a permit to operate a CCB in Oxnard.

ZONING CLEARANCE (ZC)/ZONING VERIFICATION LETTER (ZVL)

Prior to submitting a CCB Application (Phase 1), an Applicant must obtain a Zoning Clearance/Verification Letter from the Planning Division. To secure this letter, an Applicant should make a written request which should specify the intended use of the building (testing, or retail), and proposed building location. Information on intended chemical use of the building and occupancy is also encouraged but not required.

An appointment should be made to submit the Applicant’s letter requesting a ZC/ZVL along with payment of the required fee ($210.00 as of July 2019). Contact (805) 385-7858 to schedule this appointment. The City’s review and issuance of a ZC/ZVL takes approximately fifteen (15) calendar days. The City issued ZC/ZVL must be included with the CCB Application (Phase 1).

The issuance of a ZC/ZVL does not constitute written evidence of permission given by City or any of its officials to operate a cannabis business, nor does it establish a “permit” within the meaning of the Permit Streamlining Act, nor does it create an entitlement under the Zoning or Building Code. A regulatory permit for a CCB does not constitute a permit that runs with the land on which the cannabis business is established. Please note that the cannabis business will require a discretionary permit. This is a separate application that will be made only after final evaluation and ranking by the City (Phase 4 below).

LIVE SCAN AND SUPPLEMENTAL BACKGROUND APPLICATIONS

As part of the application process, each individual applying as an owner must undergo a Live Scan to check fingerprints against the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) records. However, Live Scan forms will not be available until the City of Oxnard receives an official authorization code from the DOJ in approximately 8-10 weeks. Applicants are advised to monitor the City’s website for updates and notification of when forms are available.

In the meantime, and in addition to the Live Scan, each individual applying as an owner shall complete the online Background Application found at https://hdlcompanies.formstack.com/forms/bc_oxnard . A fee of $300 will be required at the time of submittal. The online Background Application is available currently.

Individuals who do not meet the State and/or City’s eligibility requirements will be disqualified. Eligibility disqualifiers may be found in State Law BPC Division 10, Chapter 5, Section 26057 (B) (4) and the City’s Ordinance 2960 Section 11.415 (c) (4).

Phase 1: Application Submittal and Determination of Eligibility

Fee: $2,329.68 (Fixed Fee)

Applications must be submitted, which constitutes submittal of all application materials and payment of all required fees, by 5:00pm on Thursday, April 2, 2020. An appointment should be made to submit the Phase 1 CCB Application. The City requires one (1) complete signed original of the application and all materials identified below as part of Phase 1-4 and one (1) USB Flash Drive containing materials in four files as described on Page 2 of this document.

Payment should be made by cash, certified check, cashier’s check or money order made payable to the City of Oxnard. The City will not accept credit card payment and application fees are non-refundable. During Phase 1, applicants will be notified if any of the Owners are ineligible and/or if their application is incomplete and may not move forward in the application process (may not advance to Phases 2-4). Applicants reviewed during Phase 1 who meet established criteria will be notified and will be permitted to advance to Phase 2, including submittal of the required materials and submittal of Phase 2 application fees. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Phase 2: Application Evaluation and Initial Ranking (1,600 points)

Fee: $3,067.79 (Fixed Fee)

Applications will be evaluated, scored and ranked based on the criteria below. These items should be saved in one file not to exceed 125 pages. See APPENDIX A for a description of the evaluation criteria:

 Section 1. Business Plan (200 Points)

 Section 2. Labor and Employment Plan (300 Points)

 Section 3. Safety Plan (400 Points)

 Section 4. Security Plan (400 Points)

 Section 5. Neighborhood Compatibility Plan (300 Points) Applicants will not be allowed to resubmit information that is determined to be missing or deficient during the Phase 2 review. Those applications which score a minimum of 80% (1,280 points) in Phase 2 will move on to Phase 3 of the application process. Applicants reviewed during Phase 2 who meet established criteria will be notified and will be permitted to advance to Phase 3, including submittal and augmentation of the required materials and submittal of Phase 3 application fees. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Phase 3: Interviews and Second Ranking (2,600 points)

Fee: $2,839.40 (Deposit)

Those CCB Applications that receive a passing score as part of Phase 2 will be interviewed and evaluated by the City’s Cannabis Selection Committee. Prior to the scheduling of interviews, applicants may be required to have their proposed site inspected by the assigned City designee to ascertain current conditions of the site/facility.

Applicants will be interviewed and evaluated based upon the criteria below. See APPENDIX A for a description of the evaluation criteria:

 Business Plan (200 Points)

 Labor & Employment (400 Points)

 Neighborhood Compatibility Plan (200 Points)

 Safety Plan (400 points)  Security Plan (400 Points)

 Location (200 Points)  Community Benefits (300 Points)

 Qualifications of Owners (300 Points)

 Oxnard Cannabis Equity Component (200 Points)

Phase 3 scores will be tabulated and combined with Phase 2 scores to establish an overall ranking of the applications. All applications that maintain a score of at least 80%, or a percentage determined by resolution, will advance to Phase 4 of the selection process.

Phase 4: Authorization to File an Application Seeking a Commercial Cannabis Business Permit

Fee: $7,326.65 (Deposit)

Applicants who have scored at least 80% after Phase 3 will be eligible to apply for consideration of a CCB permit (Phase 4). Prior to making a final decision, the City reserves the right to request and obtain additional information from any candidate who has submitted an application.

The City Manager will review the City Selection Committee’s evaluation and approve the final ranking. Award of permits is based upon the total allowed by the OCC. However, the City reserves the right to award a lesser number of permits or to award no permits at all. The top Applicants, who are authorized to apply for a discretionary permit, should be prepared to attend all discretionary permit hearings to represent their request for a Special Use Permit or Development Design Review permit and to respond to questions.

Note: Payment should be made by cash, certified check, cashier’s check or money order made payable to the City of Oxnard. The City will not accept credit card payment and application fees are non-refundable. Being awarded a permit does not constitute a land use entitlement and does not waive or remove the requirements of applying for and receiving permits for all construction including: electrical, plumbing, fire, planning permits or reviews, and any other permits, business tax, or reviews as may be necessary by the relevant departments or governmental entities in charge of said permits. Nor does it guarantee that the plans submitted via the CCB application process meet the standards or requirements of those permitting departments.

CONTACT

If you have any questions or would like an update on the status of your application, please contact the Planning Division at 805.385-7858 or by email at planning@oxnard.org.

****************************************

APPENDIX A: DESCRIPTION OF EVALUATION CRITERIA

All of the following information must be submitted on a USB thumb drive in PDF format (Please do not save any documents in Word format) when the application is initially filed for consideration as part of Phase 1) Responsive documentation shall be saved in four (4) digital folders.

CRITERIA

1. BUSINESS PLAN Criteria to be evaluated and scored during Phases 2 & 3

1.1. Owner qualifications. Resumes are not to exceed one (1) page per owner.

1.2. A budget for construction, operation, and maintenance, compensation of employees, equipment costs, utility cost, and other operation costs.

1.3. Proof of capitalization in the form of documentation of cash or other liquid assets on hand, Letters of Credit or other equivalent assets.

1.4. 3-year pro forma for at least three years of operation.

1.5. Fully describe hours of operation and opening and closing procedures.

1.6. Fully describe the day-to-day operations for each license type being sought.

1.6.1. Additional criteria for RETAIL applications only:

a. Describe customer check-in procedures.

b. Identify location and procedures for receiving deliveries during business hours.

c. Identify number of Point-of-Sales location and estimated number of customers to be served per hour/day.

d. Describe the proposed product line and estimate the percentage of sales of flower and manufactured products.

e. Describe the product handling procedures.

f. If proposed, describe delivery service procedures, number of vehicles and product security during transportation.

1.6.2. Additional criteria for TESTING applications only:

a. Describe the sampling standard operating procedures.

b. Describe procedures for transporting cannabis field samples.

c. Describe the chain of custody for field samples.

d. Describe the quality control procedures.

e. Describe the Laboratory Supervisor/Manager responsibilities and qualifications.

f. Identify location and procedures for storing cannabis products.

1.7. Fully describe cash handling procedures.

1.8. Fully describe inventory control procedures including identification point-of-sales and track and trace software.

2. LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT PLAN Criteria to be evaluated and scored during Phases 2 & 3

2.1. Describe compensation to and opportunities for continuing education and employee training.

2.2. Describe the extent to which the CCB will be a locally managed enterprise whose owners and /or managers reside within Ventura County area.

2.3. Describe the number of employees, title/position and their respected responsibilities.

2.4. Thoroughly describe employee policies and procedures (complete manuals are not required to be submitted).

3. SAFETY PLAN Criteria to be evaluated and scored during Phases 2 & 3

A thorough Safety Plan should consider all possible fire, medical and hazardous situations. Complete policy/procedures manuals are not required at this point of the application process. Please only provide a detailed description for each criteria which incorporates the following provisions:

3.1 The Safety Plan shall be prepared by a professional fire prevention and suppression consultant. An assessment of the facility’s fire safety plan by a qualified licensed fire prevention and suppression consultant. An appropriate plan will consider all possible fire, hazardous material, and inhalation issues/threats and will have both written and physical mechanisms in place to deal with each specific situation. Identify all gases and/or chemicals to be used and their storage locations (testing).

3.2 Identify fire alarm and monitoring system including the name and contact information for the alarm company

3.3 Describe accident and incident reporting procedures

3.4 Describe evacuation routes

3.5 Location of fire extinguishers and other fire suppression equipment

3.6 Describe procedures and training for all fire and medical emergencies

3.7 Describe and identify the location of all gas monitoring equipment A detailed diagram of the overall facility’s safety features.

3.8 Written description of safety features, including but not limited to fire prevention, suppression, HVAC and alarm systems.

3.9 Clarify if your building has sprinklers? 3.10 What date was the subject building constructed?

4. SECURITY PLAN Criteria to be evaluated and scored during Phases 2 & 3*

A thorough Security Plan should consider all access control, inventory control, cash handling procedures. Complete policy/procedures manuals are not required at this point of the application process. Please only provide a detailed description for each criteria which incorporates the following provisions:

4.1. The Security Plan shall be prepared by a professional security consultant.

4.2.Premises (Security) Diagram. In addition to diagrams submitted for other sections of the application, applicants are expected to submit a premises diagram (floor plan, detail) which, focuses on the proposed security measures and how they relate to the overall business. (Pursuant to CCR Title 16, Division 42, §5006. Premises Diagram).

4.2.1. The diagram all be accurate, dimensioned and to scale (minimum scale ¼”) the scale may be smaller if the proposed location exceeds more than a 1/2 acre parcel but must not be printed on larger than an 11” x 17” sheet of paper. (Blueprints and engineering site plans are not required at this point of the application process).

4.2.2. The diagram must be drawn to scale and clearly identify property boundaries, entrances, exits, interior partitions, walls, rooms, windows and doorways. The activity in each room and the location of all cameras must be identified on the diagram.

4.2.3. Description of cannabis activity that will be conducted in each area of the premise. Commercial cannabis activities that must be identified on the diagram/floor plan may include but are not limited to the following if applicable to the business operations; storage areas, batch sampling areas, loading/unloading of shipment areas, packaging and labeling, customer sales areas, training areas, employee break room areas, and testing areas.

4.2.4. Limited-access areas, defined as areas in which cannabis goods are stored or held and only accessible to a licensee, its employee or contractors, and areas used for video surveillance monitoring and storage devices (Pursuant to CCR Title 16, Division 42, §5000 (m) Limited-Access Area and §5042. Limited-Access Area).

4.2.5. Number and location of all video surveillance cameras.

4.3. Identify intrusion alarm and monitoring system including the name and contact information for the monitoring company.

4.4. Discuss whether the CCB will utilize the services of on-site security guards. Include in the discussion:

4.4.1. Number of guards

4.4.2. Hours guards will be on-site

4.4.3. Locations they will be positioned

4.4.4. Their roles and responsibilities

* Security plans will not be made public.

5. NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN Criteria to be evaluated and scored during Phases 2 & 3

5.1. Describe how the CCB will proactively address and respond to complaints related to noise, light, odor, vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

5.2. Describe how the CCB will be managed so as to avoid becoming a nuisance or having impacts on its neighbors and the surrounding community.

5.3. Describe odor mitigation practices:

5.3.1. Identify potential sources of odor.

5.3.2. Describe odor control devices and techniques employed to ensure that odors from cannabis are not detectable beyond the licensed premises.

5.3.3. Describe all proposed staff training, and system maintenance plans.

5.3.4. Describe the waste management plan. The plan shall include waste disposal locations, security measures, and methods of rendering all waste unusable and unrecognizable.

6. LOCATION Criteria to be evaluated and scored by City staff during Phase 3 only

6.1. In addition to the location related details provided in the CCB Application (pages 1-7), the application shall include a thorough description of the proposed location, including but not limited to the overall property, building and floor plan.

6.2. The CCB Application must have the appropriate zoning and meet all the locational requirements as described in OCC Section 11.433.

6.3. The application shall include photographs of the front (street facing) side of the building. In the event the proposed location is undeveloped land, photographs shall depict the property from all vantage points of the property.

6.4. Premises (Site) Diagram for each proposed location. In addition to diagrams submitted for other sections of the CCB Application, applicants are expected to submit a premise/site diagram that focuses on the overall property, building and floor plan. (Blueprints and engineering site plans are not required at this point of the application process):

6.4.1. A Premise (Site) Diagram must be accurate, dimensioned and to-scale (minimum scale of ¼”). The diagram shall provide a detailed description of all available/shared parking spaces, driveway locations, and auxiliary buildings on the parcel.

7. COMMUNITY BENEFITS PLAN Criteria to be evaluated and scored by City staff during Phase 3 only

7.1. The CCB Application should describe all benefits the CCB will provide to the local community. Benefits may be in the form of volunteer services, monetary donations to local non-profit organizations, financial support of City sponsored activities or organizations, in kind donations to the City or other charitable organizations and/or any other economic incentives to the City. Consult the City’s Local Equity program on the City’s cannabis website for updates regarding this program.

8. QUALIFICATION OF OWNERS Criteria to be evaluated and scored by City staff during Phase 3 only

8.1. The CCB should include information concerning any special business or professional qualifications or licenses of the owners that would add to the number of quality of services that the CCB would provide, especially in areas related to retail cannabis or testing establishments. If you have any experience operating a cannabis business, provide the location of such business along with a copy of the permit, or license issued by the local entity or State.

Please Note:

As part of the first phase of cannabis retail dispensary permitting (years 1-2), the City will be reserving two (2) dispensary permits for local residents. Additionally, the first year of cannabis permitting the City will be developing the Oxnard Cannabis Equity Program. These program guidelines will define “local” and provide the framework for the program. Consult the City’s website for updates regarding this project. See: https://www.oxnard.org/cannabis-regulations/


For Cannabis Business Licensing help, call at . We help cannabis business owners navigate the complex world of State and Local Cannabis Regulations while helping to develop and grow your business in the right direction. CAP can assist with projects large or small. Whether you’re looking for full-service state and local cannabis licensing or other services such as Cannabis Pro Forma, Cannabis Business Plan, Cannabis Business SOP, and Cannabis Investor Presentation development, we have you covered.

Cannabis Legislation History
Cannabis Legislation History
Screen Shot 2020-02-11 at 11.01.24 AM.png
 

The Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA), which was signed into law in June 2017, creates the general framework for the regulation of commercial medicinal and adult-use cannabis in California. The text of MAUCRSA is available on the California Legislative Information website.

MAUCRSA also established a dual licensing structure in which both the state and local governments participate in setting guidelines and public health standards for the industry. The state sets minimum requirements that all licensees must follow, and local governments are able to set additional requirements.

Cannabis Legislation Timeline

2017 – The California State Legislature passed a budget trailer bill, Senate Bill 94, that integrated MCRSA with AUMA to create the Medicinal and Adult‐Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA). Under MAUCRSA, a single regulatory system governs the medicinal and adult-use cannabis industry in California.

  • Senate Bill 94

  • Assembly Bill 133

2016 – California voters passed Proposition 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA). Under Proposition 64, adults 21 years of age or older can legally grow, possess, and use cannabis for non-medicinal purposes, with certain restrictions. Additionally, AUMA also made it legal to sell and distribute cannabis through a regulated business as of January 1, 2018.

  • Proposition 64 

  • Proposition 64 Official Title and Summary

2015 – The legislature passed the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MCRSA), a series of three bills that created a state licensing and regulatory system for the existing medical market. MCRSA also established the state’s three cannabis licensing authorities – (Bureau of Cannabis Control, CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing, and Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch). These bills were repealed when MAUCRSA was passed in 2017.

  • Assembly Bill 266

  • Assembly Bill 243

  • Senate Bill 643

1996 – California voters passed Proposition 215, the Compassionate Use Act (CUA) – the first voter-approved state ballot initiative for medical marijuana in the United States. CUA allowed qualified patients and approved caregivers to possess and cultivate medical cannabis and ultimately led to the formation of collectives and cooperatives to serve medical patients throughout the state.

  • Proposition 215

  • Senate Bill 420

Additional Cannabis Legislation 

To search for additional cannabis legislation and bills not included in the section listed above, please visit the California Legislative Information website. 


For Cannabis Business Licensing help, call at . We help cannabis business owners navigate the complex world of State and Local Cannabis Regulations while helping to develop and grow your business in the right direction. CAP can assist with projects large or small. Whether you’re looking for full-service state and local cannabis licensing or other services such as Cannabis Pro Forma, Cannabis Business Plan, Cannabis Business SOP, and Cannabis Investor Presentation development, we have you covered.

adult use cannabis, adult use marijuana act, business licensing, ca cannabis regulations, calcannabis, calcannabis cultivation, california business, california cannabis, cannabis, cannabis advising partner, cannabis application, cannabis business, cannabis business license, cannabis business plan, cannabis business sop, cannabis community, cannabis cultivation, cannabis dispensary, cannabis distribution, cannabis distributors, cannabis history, cannabis industry, cannabis investor, cannabis legislation, cannabis license, cannabis legalization, cannabis licensing, cannabis licensing app, cannabis manufacturing, cannabis microbusiness, cannabis news, cannabis politics, cannabis pro forma, cannabis regulation, cannabis regulations, cannabis retail, cbd, cultivation, federal cannabis laws, federal marijuana laws, federally legal, marijuana law, marijuana news, medicinal cannabis, medicine, more act, new cannabis law, news, recreational marijuana, recreational cannabis, retail application, state marijuana laws, state cannabis law, state cannabis tax, weed news, weed lounge, weed politicsIzzy Guarrasimedicinal marijuana, medical cannabis, medicinal cannabis, adult-use cannabis, adult use cannabis, cannabis legislation, legislation, californiacannabis regulations, california cannabis, MAUCRSA, cannabis news, marijuana news, cannabis business, local government, state government, cannabis industry, cannabis history, cannabis manufacturing, cannabis retail, cannabis distribution, cannabis delivery, cannabis business sop, cannabis business plan, cannabis investor, cannabis investing, cannabis pro forma, cannabis cultication
Chula Vista to Accept Cannabis License Applications
Chula Vista to Accept Cannabis License Applications
chula-vista-cannabis-applications.jpg
 

The City of Chula Vista has adopted local laws that authorize licensed cannabis retail, manufacturing, testing, distribution, and cultivation businesses to operate in Chula Vista.

Updates

  • For your information, the City of Chula Vista anticipates opening another Application Period for manufacturing, distribution, cultivation, and testing laboratories in late February or early March 2020. The city is also exploring the possibility of a reduced application fee for those who have previously submitted a substantially similar application with the City of Chula Vista.

  • On January 15, 2019, the City Council set the tax rate for cultivation at $15 per square foot of canopy and 7% of gross receipts on all other cannabis businesses.

Cannabis License Applications

Previous Updates:

Update on Phase I Application Process (January 22, 2020)

Chula Vista has recently begun to issue Notice of Decision letters. Applicants receiving Notice of Decision letters have the right to appeal to the City Manager in accordance with Chula Vista Municipal Code section 5.19.050.A.6. The city will post a list of applicants that have been approved to move on to Phase II of the application process in the coming weeks.


For Cannabis Business Licensing help, call at . We help cannabis business owners navigate the complex world of State and Local Cannabis Regulations while helping to develop and grow your business in the right direction. CAP can assist with projects large or small. Whether you’re looking for full-service state and local cannabis licensing or other services such as Cannabis Pro Forma, Cannabis Business Plan, Cannabis Business SOP, and Cannabis Investor Presentation development, we have you covered.

adult use cannabis, business application, business licensing, california business, california cannabis, cannabis, cannabis advising partner, cannabis application, cannabis business, cannabis business license, cannabis business plan, cannabis community, cannabis consulting, cannabis cultivation, cannabis delivery, cannabis dispensary, cannabis distribution, cannabis distributors, cannabis entrepreneur, cannabis history, cannabis industry, cannabis industry growth, cannabis investor, cannabis law, cannabis license, cannabis licensing, cannabis licensing app, cannabis manufacturing, cannabis microbusiness, cannabis news, cannabis regulations, cannabis regulation, cannabis pro forma, cannabis retail, cannabis retail license, cannabis testing lab, commercial cannabis, cultivation, federal marijuana laws, legalization, licensed cannabis busines, marijuana law, medical cannabis, medicinal cannabis, medicine, news, new cannabis law, recreational cannabis, recreational marijuana, state cannabis law, state cannabis tax, weed newsIzzy Guarrasicannabis business application, cannabis business licensing, chula vista cannabis, chula vista california cannabis, chula vista marijuana, chula vista cannabis business application, city of chula vista, cannabis retail, cannabis manufacturing license, cannabis manufacturing, cannabis distribution, cannabis distributors, cannabis testing, calcannabis cultivation licensing, cannabis cultivation, cannabis licensing, cannabis license, cannabis, cannabis advising partners, cannabis pro forma, cannabis business, cannabis business plan, cannabis business sop, cannabis investors, cannabis investing, cannabis regulations, state and local cannabis licensing, state and local cannabis regulations
Requirements for California Cannabis Packaging | 2020
Requirements for California Cannabis Packaging | 2020
california-cannabis-packaging.png
 

The California cannabis regulations require that all product packaging be

• child resistant

• tamper evident

• resealable (if the product has multiple uses).

Packaging for edibles must not only be opaque, but industry manufacturers are forbidden from showing the image of what the edible looks like in order to avoid appealing to children.

In addition, the labeling on the cannabis package may not:

• be attractive to children.

• make health claims.

• use the word “organic,” in violation of federal and state laws.

• use a California county name unless 100% of the cannabis was grown in that county.

It must carry the aforementioned California government warnings — the California Cannabis warning and, if the product contains one of the 900 chemicals currently on the Prop. 65 list, a Prop. 65 warning. Finally, every layer of the packaging must carry what is known, in properly cosmic lingo, as the Universal Symbol — a triangle with the silhouette of a cannabis leaf and an exclamation point.


For Cannabis Business Licensing help, call at . We help cannabis business owners navigate the complex world of State and Local Cannabis Regulations while helping to develop and grow your business in the right direction. CAP can assist with projects large or small. Whether you’re looking for full-service state and local cannabis licensing or other services such as Cannabis Pro Forma, Cannabis Business Plan, Cannabis Business SOP, and Cannabis Investor Presentation development, we have you covered.

business application, business licensing, ca cannabis regulations, california cannabis, california business, cannabis, cannabis advising partner, cannabis business, cannabis business license, cannabis business plan, cannabis business sop, cannabis community, cannabis compliance, cannabis consulting, cannabis entrepreneur, cannabis health, cannabis history, cannabis industry, cannabis investor, cannabis law, cannabis legalization, cannabis legislation, cannabis license, cannabis licensing, cannabis news, cannabis politics, cannabis pro forma, cannabis regulations, cannabis regulation, cannabis retail, cbd, commercial cannabis, consulting services, drug facts, federal cannabis laws, federal marijuana laws, legalization, marijuana law, medical cannabis, medicinal cannabis, medicine, metrc compliance, new cannabis law, news, recreational cannabis, recreational marijuana, seed to sale, state cannabis law, weed dispensary, weed lounge, weed news, cannabis packaging, marijuana packaging, packaging compliance, packagingIzzy Guarrasicalifornia cannabis packaging, cannabis packaging, child resistant, california cannabis regulations, cannabis regulations, cannabis compliance, cannabis products, marijuana packaging, organic, cannabis labeling, prop 65, prop 65 warning, cannabis licensing, cannabis license, state and local cannabis licensing, cannabis pro forma, cannabis business, cannabis business licensing, cannabis business sop, cannabis investing, cannabis investor, cannabis advising partners, federal and state marijuana laws
Apply for a Cannabis Cultivation License | Calaveras County, California
Apply for a Cannabis Cultivation License | Calaveras County, California
calaveras-california-cannabis-cultivation.jpg
 

On October 22, 2019 the Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance regulating the cultivation of cannabis. The new ordinance allows eligible individuals and business entities to apply for a permit to engage in commercial cultivation on parcels of 20 acres or more that are zoned U, RA, A1, AP and GF. It also allows for consideration of a conditional use permit for cultivation on parcels between 10 and 20 acres in the same zones. Indoor cultivation is also permitted in the industrial zones of M1, M2 and M4. Limited indoor cultivation is also permitted in the CP zone as a part of a cannabis retailer operation, and permitted cultivators with self-distribution licenses will be allowed to transport their own cannabis in accordance with state law. 

The number of cultivation permit applications that will be accepted is limited to the number of growers who previously registered under the urgency ordinance program, had not withdrawn the registration or had it denied, and had either received a state license or had a state license application submitted and in process before being halted when the previous county-wide ban went into effect. The ability of an eligible grower to apply for a permit is transferable to another qualified applicant, as are the permits themselves. The ordinance also regulates cannabis cultivation for personal use. Manufacturing, testing, and distribution other than self-distribution is prohibited. Retailers are regulated under Chapter 17.91 of the County Code.

find ordinance here

For Cannabis Business Licensing help, call at . We help cannabis business owners navigate the complex world of State and Local Cannabis Regulations while helping to develop and grow your business in the right direction. CAP can assist with projects large or small. Whether you’re looking for full-service state and local cannabis licensing or other services such as Cannabis Pro Forma, Cannabis Business Plan, Cannabis Business SOP, and Cannabis Investor Presentation development, we have you covered.

Cannabis Tax Strategy | 2020
Cannabis Tax Strategy | 2020
cannabis tax strategy.png
 

For Cannabis Tax Strategy help, call at . We help cannabis business owners navigate the complex world of State and Local Cannabis Regulations while helping to develop and grow your business in the right direction. CAP can assist with projects large or small. Whether you’re looking for full-service state and local cannabis licensing or other services such as Cannabis Pro Forma, Cannabis Business Plan, Cannabis Business SOP, and Cannabis Tax Strategy development, we have you covered.


Sales, Use, and Cannabis Taxes

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) is the state agency responsible for collecting cannabis taxes and issuing seller’s permits. If you own a business in California that sells cannabis and/or cannabis products, you must register with CDTFA for a seller’s permit and regularly file sales and use tax returns. For information about the requirements that apply to your business, please review the links listed below.

  • Legislative Analyst’s Office – Adjusting California’s Cannabis Taxes

  • Tax Guide for Cannabis Businesses

  • Cannabis Special Notice – Important Cannabis Excise Tax Reminders for Cannabis Retailers and Distributors

  • New Emergency Regulation for Cannabis Distributors and Retailers Requires California Cannabis Track-and-Trace

  • Important Information for Cannabis Distributors

  • Guidance on How Taxes Apply to Cannabis Inventory Beginning January 1, 2018

  • Notice of Proposed Emergency Regulation

  • New Proposed Cultivation Tax Category, Tax Application, and Invoicing Requirements for Cannabis Businesses

  • Cannabis – What you Need to Know about the Tax Rates and Registration

  • New Cannabis Taxes Begin January 1, 2018

Income Tax

California taxes its residents on all income, including income from cannabis business activities. California taxes non-residents on income from California sources. All income apportioned to California by business entities is taxable. Income from entities organized as not-for-profit is also taxable. For information about California income tax for cannabis business activities, visit Franchise Tax Board’s website at ftb.ca.gov/Cannabis.

  • Cannabis Business Income Tax

  • Cannabis Business Ownership Tax Information Guide

Payroll Taxes

California businesses that hire employees to perform services are required by law to withhold, report, and pay payroll taxes. For information about cannabis industry payroll tax and reporting, visit the Employment Development Department’s website at edd.ca.gov/Cannabis.

  • Cannabis Industry Payroll Tax Reporting

cannabis tax, cannabis excise tax, cannabis tax strategy, tax strategy, 1080e, tax season, cannabis advising partner, cannabis business, local cannabis tax, state cannabis tax, cannabis news, cdtfa, cannabis tax rates, cannabis industry, cannabis community, cannabis income tax, cannabis payroll tax, adult use cannabis, bcc, bureau of cannabis contro, business application, business licensing, ca cannabis regulations, california business, california cannabis, california cannabis tax, cannabis, cannabis application, cannabis business license, cannabis business plan, cannabis business sop, cannabis business tax, cannabis compliance, cannabis consulting, cannabis cultivation, cannabis delivery, cannabis dispensary, cannabis distribution, cannabis distributors, cannabis history, cannabis industry growth, cannabis investor, cannabis law, cannabis legalization, cannabis legislation, cannabis license, cannabis licensing, cannabis manufacturing, cannabis microbusiness, cannabis pro forma, cannabis regulation, cannabis regulations, cannabis retail, consulting services, commercial cannabis, federal cannabis laws, federal marijuana laws, legalization, marijuana news, marijuana law, new cannabis law, news, recreational cannabis, state and federal taxes, weed news, weed politics, weed tax, weed dispensaryIzzy Guarrasicannabis tax strategy, cannabis, tax strategy, tax season, cannabis advising partners, cannabis business, state cannabis laws, state and local cannabis regulations, local cannabis law, cannabis news, cannabis pro forma, cannabis business permit, cannabis business plan, cannabis business sop, cannabis tax, california cannabis tax, the california department of tax and fee administration, cdtfa, cannabis taxes, cannabis legislation, tax guide, cannabis excise tax, cannabis retail storefront, cannabis distributors, cannabis regulations, cannabis dispensary, cannabis inventory, cannabis inventory management, cannabis tax rates, cannabis business entity, franchise tax board, income tax, payroll tax, employment development department, cannabis industry, 1080e