Cannabis: Weights and Measures

Division of Measurement Standards
6790 Florin Perkins Road, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95828  •  916-229-3000  •  cdfa.dms_Cannabis_wm@cdfa.ca.gov

Cannabis: Weights and Measures Considerations

Do I need to be a weighmaster?

Weighmaster requirements for the cannabis industry are located in the California Code of Regulations Title 4, Division 19, Chapter 9, Section 17221. Weighing Devices and Weighmasters.

The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is operating under emergency regulations that became effective July 2021. The DCC is currently going through the regular rulemaking process to amend these regulations, including the weighmaster requirements in Section 17221. To view the proposed amendments to Section 17221 and other DCC rulemaking documents, visit California Department of Cannabis Control.

What scales and balances do I need for my business?

Refer to the Scale Selection Guidelines (UPDATED: December 2023) to determine the suitable scale to meet your business needs.

Who do I contact in my county for inspections of my weighing equipment?

Visit the County Commissioners & Sealers Contact Information page to find the appropriate contact for your county.

Who can install and repair my weighing equipment?

Visit the RSA Cannabis Scales page to find information on the Registered Service Agency (RSA) that can assist individuals needing guidance in the selection of a type approved and suitable scale for cannabis.

What are the labeling requirements for cannabis packages?

Packages and their labels should enable consumers to obtain accurate information as to the quantity of the contents and should facilitate value comparisons.

The Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch, a division of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), is responsible for regulating and licensing the manufacturers of cannabis-infused edibles and products for both medical and nonmedical use. Their Frequently Asked Questions page includes information to assist cannabis manufacturers and other businesses in understanding and evaluating compliance with packaging and labeling requirements. Licensee packaging and Labeling checklists can be found on this DCC Resources webpage.