HOW TO APPLY FOR OR RENEW A LICENSE
How To Apply For a California Cannabis License
- Complete local permitting processes
Many cities and counties have rules and permits for cannabis businesses. Some do not allow cannabis businesses. Make sure you set up your business in an area that allows for commercial cannabis activity. Complete any permitting requirements your city or county requires before you apply for a state cannabis license. - Learn the state regulations for cannabis businesses.
The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has requirements for standard operating procedures, training employees and how facilities must be set up. Make sure you understand and can meet these rules. - Gather your application information and documents.
DCC has resources to help you create the documents you need during the licensing process. If you have questions about the requirements, email the DCC licensing team. - Create a licensing system account.
DCC has three licensing systems. Use the one that corresponds to the license type you’re applying for. Create an account in the system. Remember your username and password so you can log back in. - Complete your application
Fill in the required fields in the licensing system and upload any needed documents. Make sure you disclose all your business’s owners and financial interest holders. The DCC licensing systems let you save your progress as you go, so you do not need to complete it all in one sitting. When you finish your application, sign and submit it. - Pay your application fee and submit your application.
When you finish your license application, the system will tell you how to pay your application fee. DCC cannot process your application until you pay your application fee. - Answer any emails from the licensing team.
If any parts of your application are not sufficient, the DCC licensing team will email you. They will tell you what you need to correct and give you a deadline to respond. Responding with complete information as quickly as you can helps DCC process your application in a timely manner. - Pay your license fee.
If your application is approved, you’ll receive an email with instructions about how to pay your license fee. You can pay your fee through the licensing system via bank account/check, money order or credit card. You can also pay in cash by setting up an appointment to visit our office in person. For security purposes, no cash payments can be accepted without an appointment. Your license will be issued once we receive your payment. - Post your license
DCC licenses are good for one year. Once your license is issued, you can download your license certificate from the licensing system. Post your certificate in a visible place near the entrance of your business so visitors can see it.
How To Renew a Cannabis License
- Wait for your renewal window to open.
You can renew your license up to 60 days before it expires. You will receive an automated email with instructions when your renewal window opens. - Review and update your information in the licensing system.
Make sure all your information in the DCC licensing system is up-to-date. Check that your documents are current. Documents you may need to update include your premises diagram, cultivation plan, standard operating procedures, product list and vehicle information. Enter your business’s gross annual revenue for the previous year, if required. Provide evidence of the amount, such as tax returns or profit and loss statements. Double-check that all of your business’s owners and financial interest holders are disclosed. - Pay your license fee and submit your application.
When you’ve finished updating your information, review and sign your application. Pay your license fee and submit your application. - Post your updated license.
Once your license is renewed, download your updated license certificate. Replace your old license certificate with your new one. Post it in a visible place where visitors to your facility can see it.
