1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814Licensing Branch
The Licensing Branch is responsible for reviewing commercial cannabis cultivation license applications prior to licensure. Application review consists of three major components. First, the application information is sent to the local jurisdiction to ensure the business applying for the license is in compliance, or has local compliance underway, with all local rules and regulations. Next, the application goes through an administrative review, which includes a background check, as well as a thorough review of the business requirements along with ownership and financial interest holders and the right to occupy and consent to operate on the proposed premises location. Lastly, the application goes through an environmental review, which consists of documentation needed to verify compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), such as permits and rights to use certain water sources. Applicants can choose from 17 different license types which are categorized by size and production type. By statute, the "large" category of cultivation licenses shall not be issued prior to January 1, 2023.
The Licensing Branch also has a team of field scientists who ensure that cultivators are following all environmental protection measures outlined in CDFA's cannabis cultivation regulations and MAUCRSA. Additionally, the scientists facilitate contracts with various County Agricultural Commissioner offices in permissive jurisdictions to conduct inspections at licensed cannabis cultivation sites on behalf of CDFA.
Finally, the Licensing Branch is working on the implementation of two new programs: a program, called OCal, for cannabis that is comparable to the National Organic Program; and a program to establish a process by which licensed cultivators may establish appellations of origin, including standards, practices and varietals applicable to cannabis produced within a certain geographical region of California.
Cultivation License