Michael D. Kolodzi Attorney at Law
Michael D. Kolodzi Attorney at Law / Supreme Sports
  •  
  • © 2024 Michael D. Kolodzi, Attorney at Law | 310.556.9688 | 1801 Century Park East, Suite 2500, Los Angeles, CA 90067 | mdk@mdklawfirm.com 0

Michael D. Kolodzi


OVERVIEW


Adult Use of cannabis is legal in California under Prop. 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA), approved by the voters on November 8, 2016. In general, AUMA allows adults 21 and over to possess, privately use, and give away up to one ounce of cannabis, and to cultivate no more than six plants for personal use at their residence. It also legalizes the commercial sale, distribution and production of cannabis for adult use at state-licensed facilities beginning January 1, 2018, under terms spelled out in the Medical and Adult Use of Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) approved by the legislature in 2017. Local city and county governments can restrict or ban cannabis businesses in their jurisdiction.


Cannabis remains legal for medical use by patients of all ages who have a physician’s recommendation under California’s 1996 medical marijuana law, Prop. 215. Prop 215 affords somewhat broader rights to possess and cultivate for personal use than AUMA. Prior to AUMA, the sale, production and distribution of medical cannabis by so-called patients’ collectives was authorized in loose terms under a law known as SB 420 (2004). However, SB 420 collectives will be phased out and subsumed in the state regulation and licensing system beginning in 2018.


The Bureau of Cannabis Control in the Dept. of Consumer Affairs is in charge of licensing and regulating retail sales, distribution, and testing; the Dept. of Food and Agriculture is in charge of cultivation; and the Dept. of Public Health is in charge of manufacturing. Prior approval by local city or county governments is required for all state-licensed facilities. Further info on state regulations may be found at the California Cannabis Portal.


Business and Professions Code - BPC
DIVISION 10. Cannabis [26000 - 26250]  (Heading of Division 10 amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 3.)


CHAPTER 1. General Provisions and Definitions [26000 - 26002]  (Chapter 1 added November 8, 2016, by initiative Proposition 64, Sec. 6.1.)


26000.  (a) This division shall be known, and may be cited, as the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act.


(b) The purpose and intent of this division is to establish a comprehensive system to control and regulate the cultivation, distribution, transport, storage, manufacturing, processing, and sale of both of the following:


(1) Medicinal cannabis and medicinal cannabis products for patients with valid physician’s recommendations.


(2) Adult-use cannabis and adult-use cannabis products for adults 21 years of age and over.


(c) In the furtherance of subdivision (b), this division sets forth the power and duties of the state agencies responsible for controlling and regulating the commercial medicinal and adult-use cannabis industry.


(d) The Legislature may, by majority vote, enact laws to implement this division, provided those laws are consistent with the purposes and intent of the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act.


(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 4. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26001.  For purposes of this division, the following definitions apply:


(a) “A-license” means a state license issued under this division for cannabis or cannabis products that are intended for adults who are 21 years of age and older and who do not possess a physician’s recommendation.


(b) “A-licensee” means any person holding a license under this division for cannabis or cannabis products that are intended for adults who are 21 years of age and older and who do not possess a physician’s recommendation.


(c) “Applicant” means an owner applying for a state license pursuant to this division.


(d) “Batch” means a specific quantity of homogeneous cannabis or cannabis product that is one of the following types:


(1) Harvest batch. “Harvest batch” means a specifically identified quantity of dried flower or trim, leaves, and other cannabis plant matter that is uniform in strain, harvested at the same time, and, if applicable, cultivated using the same pesticides and other agricultural chemicals, and harvested at the same time.


(2) Manufactured cannabis batch. “Manufactured cannabis batch” means either of the following:


(A) An amount of cannabis concentrate or extract that is produced in one production cycle using the same extraction methods and standard operating procedures.


(B) An amount of a type of manufactured cannabis produced in one production cycle using the same formulation and standard operating procedures.


(e) “Bureau” means the Bureau of Cannabis Control within the Department of Consumer Affairs, formerly named the Bureau of Marijuana Control, the Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation, and the Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation.


(f) “Cannabis” means all parts of the plant Cannabis sativa Linnaeus, Cannabis indica, or Cannabis ruderalis, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin, whether crude or purified, extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds, or resin. “Cannabis” also means the separated resin, whether crude or purified, obtained from cannabis. “Cannabis” does not include the mature stalks of the plant, fiber produced from the stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of the plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the mature stalks (except the resin extracted therefrom), fiber, oil, or cake, or the sterilized seed of the plant which is incapable of germination. For the purpose of this division, “cannabis” does not mean “industrial hemp” as defined by Section 11018.5 of the Health and Safety Code.


(g) “Cannabis accessories” has the same meaning as in Section 11018.2 of the Health and Safety Code.


(h) “Cannabis concentrate” means cannabis that has undergone a process to concentrate one or more active cannabinoids, thereby increasing the product’s potency. Resin from granular trichomes from a cannabis plant is a concentrate for purposes of this division. A cannabis concentrate is not considered food, as defined by Section 109935 of the Health and Safety Code, or a drug, as defined by Section 109925 of the Health and Safety Code.


(i) “Cannabis products” has the same meaning as in Section 11018.1 of the Health and Safety Code.


(j) “Child resistant” means designed or constructed to be significantly difficult for children under five years of age to open, and not difficult for normal adults to use properly.


(k) “Commercial cannabis activity” includes the cultivation, possession, manufacture, distribution, processing, storing, laboratory testing, packaging, labeling, transportation, delivery, or sale of cannabis and cannabis products as provided for in this division.


(l) “Cultivation” means any activity involving the planting, growing, harvesting, drying, curing, grading, or trimming of cannabis.


(m) “Cultivation site” means a location where cannabis is planted, grown, harvested, dried, cured, graded, or trimmed, or a location where any combination of those activities occurs.


(n) “Customer” means a natural person 21 years of age or older or a natural person 18 years of age or older who possesses a physician’s recommendation, or a primary caregiver.


(o) “Day care center” has the same meaning as in Section 1596.76 of the Health and Safety Code.


(p) “Delivery” means the commercial transfer of cannabis or cannabis products to a customer. “Delivery” also includes the use by a retailer of any technology platform.


(q) “Director” means the Director of Consumer Affairs.


(r) “Distribution” means the procurement, sale, and transport of cannabis and cannabis products between licensees.


(s) “Dried flower” means all dead cannabis that has been harvested, dried, cured, or otherwise processed, excluding leaves and stems.


(t) “Edible cannabis product” means a cannabis product that is intended to be used, in whole or in part, for human consumption, including, but not limited to, chewing gum, but excluding products set forth in Division 15 (commencing with Section 32501) of the Food and Agricultural Code. An edible cannabis product is not considered food, as defined by Section 109935 of the Health and Safety Code, or a drug, as defined by Section 109925 of the Health and Safety Code.


(u) “Fund” means the Cannabis Control Fund established pursuant to Section 26210.


(v) “Kind” means applicable type or designation regarding a particular cannabis variant, origin, or product type, including, but not limited to, strain name, trademark, or production area designation.


(w) “Labeling” means any label or other written, printed, or graphic matter upon a cannabis product, upon its container or wrapper, or that accompanies any cannabis product.


(x) “Labor peace agreement” means an agreement between a licensee and any bona fide labor organization that, at a minimum, protects the state’s proprietary interests by prohibiting labor organizations and members from engaging in picketing, work stoppages, boycotts, and any other economic interference with the applicant’s business. This agreement means that the applicant has agreed not to disrupt efforts by the bona fide labor organization to communicate with, and attempt to organize and represent, the applicant’s employees. The agreement shall provide a bona fide labor organization access at reasonable times to areas in which the applicant’s employees work, for the purpose of meeting with employees to discuss their right to representation, employment rights under state law, and terms and conditions of employment. This type of agreement shall not mandate a particular method of election or certification of the bona fide labor organization.


(y) “License” means a state license issued under this division, and includes both an A-license and an M-license, as well as a testing laboratory license.


(z) “Licensee” means any person holding a license under this division, regardless of whether the license held is an A-license or an M-license, and includes the holder of a testing laboratory license.


(aa) “Licensing authority” means the state agency responsible for the issuance, renewal, or reinstatement of the license, or the state agency authorized to take disciplinary action against the licensee.


(ab) “Live plants” means living cannabis flowers and plants, including seeds, immature plants, and vegetative stage plants.


(ac) “Local jurisdiction” means a city, county, or city and county.


(ad) “Lot” means a batch or a specifically identified portion of a batch.


(ae) “M-license” means a state license issued under this division for commercial cannabis activity involving medicinal cannabis.


(af) “M-licensee” means any person holding a license under this division for commercial cannabis activity involving medicinal cannabis.


(ag) “Manufacture” means to compound, blend, extract, infuse, or otherwise make or prepare a cannabis product.


(ah) “Manufacturer” means a licensee that conducts the production, preparation, propagation, or compounding of cannabis or cannabis products either directly or indirectly or by extraction methods, or independently by means of chemical synthesis, or by a combination of extraction and chemical synthesis at a fixed location that packages or repackages cannabis or cannabis products or labels or relabels its container.


(ai) (1) “Medicinal cannabis” or “medicinal cannabis product” means cannabis or a cannabis product, respectively, intended to be sold or donated for use pursuant to the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (Proposition 215), found in Section 11362.5 of the Health and Safety Code, by a medicinal cannabis patient in California who possesses a physician’s recommendation, or in compliance with any compassionate use, equity, or other similar program administered by a local jurisdiction.


(2) The amendments made to this subdivision by the act adding this paragraph shall become operative upon completion of the necessary changes to the track and trace program in order to implement the act adding this paragraph, as determined by the Department of Food and Agriculture, or on March 1, 2020, whichever occurs first.


(aj) “Nursery” means a licensee that produces only clones, immature plants, seeds, and other agricultural products used specifically for the propagation and cultivation of cannabis.


(ak) “Operation” means any act for which licensure is required under the provisions of this division, or any commercial transfer of cannabis or cannabis products.


(al) “Owner” means any of the following:


(1) A person with an aggregate ownership interest of 20 percent or more in the person applying for a license or a licensee, unless the interest is solely a security, lien, or encumbrance.


(2) The chief executive officer of a nonprofit or other entity.


(3) A member of the board of directors of a nonprofit.


(4) An individual who will be participating in the direction, control, or management of the person applying for a license.


(am) “Package” means any container or receptacle used for holding cannabis or cannabis products.


(an) “Person” includes any individual, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation, limited liability company, estate, trust, business trust, receiver, syndicate, or any other group or combination acting as a unit, and the plural as well as the singular.


(ao) “Physician’s recommendation” means a recommendation by a physician and surgeon that a patient use cannabis provided in accordance with the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (Proposition 215), found at Section 11362.5 of the Health and Safety Code.


(ap) “Premises” means the designated structure or structures and land specified in the application that is owned, leased, or otherwise held under the control of the applicant or licensee where the commercial cannabis activity will be or is conducted. The premises shall be a contiguous area and shall only be occupied by one licensee.


(aq) “Primary caregiver” has the same meaning as in Section 11362.7 of the Health and Safety Code.


(ar) “Purchaser” means the customer who is engaged in a transaction with a licensee for purposes of obtaining cannabis or cannabis products.


(as) “Sell,” “sale,” and “to sell” include any transaction whereby, for any consideration, title to cannabis or cannabis products is transferred from one person to another, and includes the delivery of cannabis or cannabis products pursuant to an order placed for the purchase of the same and soliciting or receiving an order for the same, but does not include the return of cannabis or cannabis products by a licensee to the licensee from whom the cannabis or cannabis product was purchased.


(at) “Testing laboratory” means a laboratory, facility, or entity in the state that offers or performs tests of cannabis or cannabis products and that is both of the following:


(1) Accredited by an accrediting body that is independent from all other persons involved in commercial cannabis activity in the state.


(2) Licensed by the bureau.


(au) “Unique identifier” means an alphanumeric code or designation used for reference to a specific plant on a licensed premises and any cannabis or cannabis product derived or manufactured from that plant.


(av) “Youth center” has the same meaning as in Section 11353.1 of the Health and Safety Code.


(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 841, Sec. 1.5. (SB 185) Effective January 1, 2020. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26001.1.  In addition to the definitions listed in Section 26001, for purposes of this division, “microbusiness” means a person holding a license issued under paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 26070.


(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 599, Sec. 4. (AB 3261) Effective January 1, 2019.)


26002.  This division shall not apply to any product containing cannabidiol that has been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration that has either been placed on a schedule of the federal Controlled Substances Act other than Schedule I or has been exempted from one or more provisions of that act, and that is intended for prescribed use for the treatment of a medical condition.


(Added by Stats. 2018, Ch. 62, Sec. 2. (AB 710) Effective July 9, 2018.)


CHAPTER 2. Administration [26010 - 26018]  ( Chapter 2 added November 8, 2016, by initiative Proposition 64, Sec. 6.1. )


26010.  There is in the Department of Consumer Affairs the Bureau of Cannabis Control, under the supervision and control of the director. The director shall administer and enforce the provisions of this division related to the bureau. 


(Repealed and added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 7. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017.)


26010.5.  (a) The Governor shall appoint a chief of the bureau, subject to confirmation by the Senate, at a salary to be fixed and determined by the Director of Consumer Affairs with the approval of the Director of Finance. The chief shall serve under the direction and supervision of the Director of Consumer Affairs and at the pleasure of the Governor.


(b) Every power granted to or duty imposed upon the Director of Consumer Affairs under this division may be exercised or performed in the name of the director by a deputy or assistant director or by the chief, subject to conditions and limitations that the director may prescribe. In addition to every power granted or duty imposed under this division, the director shall have all other powers and duties generally applicable in relation to bureaus that are part of the Department of Consumer Affairs.


(c) The Director of Consumer Affairs may employ and appoint all employees necessary to properly administer the work of the bureau, in accordance with civil service laws and regulations. The Governor may also appoint a deputy chief and an assistant chief counsel to the bureau. These positions shall hold office at the pleasure of the Governor. 


(d) The bureau has the power, duty, purpose, responsibility, and jurisdiction to regulate commercial cannabis activity as provided in this division.


(e) The bureau and the director shall succeed to and are vested with all the duties, powers, purposes, responsibilities, and jurisdiction formerly vested in the Bureau of Marijuana Control, also formerly known as the Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation and the Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation, under the former Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (former Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 19300) of Division 8).


(f) Upon the effective date of this section, whenever “Bureau of Marijuana Control,” “Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation,” or “Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation” appears in any statute, regulation, or contract, or in any other code, it shall be construed to refer to the bureau. 


(g) Upon the effective date of this section, whenever any reference to the “Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act,” “Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act,” or former Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 19300) of Division 8 appears in any statute, regulation, contract, or in any other code, it shall be construed to refer to this division as it relates to medicinal cannabis and medicinal cannabis products.


(Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 8. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017.)


26011.  Neither the chief of the bureau nor any member of the Cannabis Control Appeals Panel established under Section 26040 shall do any of the following:


(a) Receive any commission or profit whatsoever, directly or indirectly, from any person applying for or receiving any license or permit under this division.


(b) Engage or have any interest in the sale or any insurance covering a licensee’s business or premises.


(c) Engage or have any interest in the sale of equipment for use upon the premises of a licensee engaged in commercial cannabis activity.


(d) Knowingly solicit any licensee for the purchase of tickets for benefits or contributions for benefits.


(e) Knowingly request any licensee to donate or receive money, or any other thing of value, for the benefit of any person whatsoever.


(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 9. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26011.5.  The protection of the public shall be the highest priority for all licensing authorities in exercising licensing, regulatory, and disciplinary functions under this division. Whenever the protection of the public is inconsistent with other interests sought to be promoted, the protection of the public shall be paramount.


(Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 10. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017.)


26012.  (a) It being a matter of statewide concern, except as otherwise authorized in this division:


(1) The bureau shall have the sole authority to create, issue, deny, renew, discipline, suspend, or revoke licenses for microbusinesses, transportation, storage unrelated to manufacturing activities, distribution, testing, and sale of cannabis and cannabis products within the state.


(2) The Department of Food and Agriculture shall administer the provisions of this division related to and associated with the cultivation of cannabis. The Department of Food and Agriculture shall have the authority to create, issue, deny, and suspend or revoke cultivation licenses for violations of this division.


(3) The State Department of Public Health shall administer the provisions of this division related to and associated with the manufacturing of cannabis products. The State Department of Public Health shall have the authority to create, issue, deny, and suspend or revoke manufacturing licenses for violations of this division.


(b) The licensing authorities shall have the authority to collect fees in connection with activities they regulate concerning cannabis. The licensing authorities may create licenses in addition to those identified in this division that the licensing authorities deem necessary to effectuate their duties under this division.


(c) For the performance of its duties, each licensing authority has the power conferred by Sections 11180 to 11191, inclusive, of the Government Code.


(d) Licensing authorities shall begin issuing licenses under this division by January 1, 2018.


(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 11. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26013. (a) Licensing authorities shall make and prescribe reasonable rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement, administer, and enforce their respective duties under this division in accordance with Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. Those rules and regulations shall be consistent with the purposes and intent of the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act.


(b) (1) Each licensing authority may adopt emergency regulations to implement this division.


(2) Each licensing authority may readopt any emergency regulation authorized by this section that is the same as, or substantially equivalent to, an emergency regulation previously adopted as authorized by this section. Any such readoption shall be limited to one time for each regulation.


(3) Notwithstanding any other law, the initial adoption of emergency regulations and the readoption of emergency regulations authorized by this section shall be deemed an emergency and necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, or general welfare. The initial emergency regulations and the readopted emergency regulations authorized by this section shall be each submitted to the Office of Administrative Law for filing with the Secretary of State and shall remain in effect for no more than 180 days, by which time final regulations may be adopted.


(c) Regulations issued under this division shall be necessary to achieve the purposes of this division, based on best available evidence, and shall mandate only commercially feasible procedures, technology, or other requirements, and shall not unreasonably restrain or inhibit the development of alternative procedures or technology to achieve the same substantive requirements, nor shall the regulations make compliance so onerous that the operation under a cannabis license is not worthy of being carried out in practice by a reasonably prudent businessperson.


(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 92, Sec. 20. (SB 1289) Effective January 1, 2019. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26013.5.  Notice of any action of a licensing authority required by this division to be given may be signed and given by the director of the licensing authority or an authorized employee of the licensing authority and may be made personally or in the manner prescribed by Section 1013 of the Code of Civil Procedure, or in the manner prescribed by Section 124 of this code. 


(Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 13. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017.)


26014.  (a) The bureau shall convene an advisory committee to advise the licensing authorities on the development of standards and regulations pursuant to this division, including best practices and guidelines that protect public health and safety while ensuring a regulated environment for commercial cannabis activity that does not impose such barriers so as to perpetuate, rather than reduce and eliminate, the illicit market for cannabis.


(b) The advisory committee members shall include, but not be limited to, representatives of the cannabis industry, including medicinal cannabis, representatives of labor organizations, appropriate state and local agencies, persons who work directly with racially, ethnically, and economically diverse populations, public health experts, and other subject matter experts, including representatives from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, with expertise in regulating commercial activity for adult-use intoxicating substances. The advisory committee members shall be determined by the director.


(c) Commencing on January 1, 2019, the advisory committee shall publish an annual public report describing its activities including, but not limited to, the recommendations the advisory committee made to the licensing authorities during the immediately preceding calendar year and whether those recommendations were implemented by the licensing authorities.


(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 14. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26015.  A licensing authority may make or cause to be made such investigation as it deems necessary to carry out its duties under this division.


(Added November 8, 2016, by initiative Proposition 64, Sec. 6.1.)


26016.  For any hearing held pursuant to this division, except a hearing held under Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 26040), a licensing authority may delegate the power to hear and decide to an administrative law judge. Any hearing before an administrative law judge shall be pursuant to the procedures, rules, and limitations prescribed in Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.


(Added November 8, 2016, by initiative Proposition 64, Sec. 6.1.)


26017.  In any hearing before a licensing authority pursuant to this division, the licensing authority may pay any person appearing as a witness at the hearing at the request of the licensing authority pursuant to a subpoena, his or her actual, necessary, and reasonable travel, food, and lodging expenses, not to exceed the amount authorized for state employees.


(Added November 8, 2016, by initiative Proposition 64, Sec. 6.1.)


26018.  A licensing authority may on its own motion at any time before a penalty assessment is placed into effect, and without any further proceedings, review the penalty, but such review shall be limited to its reduction.


(Added November 8, 2016, by initiative Proposition 64, Sec. 6.1.)


CHAPTER 3. Enforcement [26030 - 26038]  ( Chapter 3 added November 8, 2016, by initiative Proposition 64, Sec. 6.1. )


26030.  Grounds for disciplinary action include, but are not limited to, all of the following:


(a) Failure to comply with the provisions of this division or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this division.


(b) Conduct that constitutes grounds for denial of licensure pursuant to Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 480) of Division 1.5 or discipline of a license pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 490) of Division 1.5.


(c) Any other grounds contained in regulations adopted by a licensing authority pursuant to this division.


(d) Failure to comply with any state law including, but not limited to, the payment of taxes as required under the Revenue and Taxation Code, except as provided for in this division or other California law.


(e) Knowing violations of any state or local law, ordinance, or regulation conferring worker protections or legal rights on the employees of a licensee.


(f) Failure to comply with the requirement of a local ordinance regulating commercial cannabis activity.


(g) The intentional and knowing sale of cannabis or cannabis products by an A-licensee to a person under 21 years of age.


(h) The intentional and knowing sale of medicinal cannabis or medicinal cannabis products by an M-licensee to a person without a physician’s recommendation.


(i) Failure to maintain safe conditions for inspection by a licensing authority.


(j) Failure to comply with any operating procedure submitted to the licensing authority pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 26051.5.


(k) Failure to comply with license conditions established pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 26060.1.


(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 15. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26031.  (a) Each licensing authority may suspend, revoke, place on probation with terms and conditions, or otherwise discipline licenses issued by that licensing authority and fine a licensee, after proper notice and hearing to the licensee, if the licensee is found to have committed any of the acts or omissions constituting grounds for disciplinary action. The disciplinary proceedings under this chapter shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the director of each licensing authority shall have all the powers granted therein.


(b) A licensing authority may suspend or revoke a license when a local agency has notified the licensing authority that a licensee within its jurisdiction is in violation of state rules and regulations relating to commercial cannabis activities, and the licensing authority, through an investigation, has determined that the violation is grounds for suspension or revocation of the license. 


(c) Each licensing authority may take disciplinary action against a licensee for any violation of this division when the violation was committed by the licensee’s officers, directors, owners, agents, or employees while acting on behalf of the licensee or engaged in commercial cannabis activity. 


(d) A licensing authority may recover the costs of investigation and enforcement of a disciplinary proceeding pursuant to Section 125.3 of this code.


(e) Upon suspension or revocation of a license, the licensing authority shall inform the bureau. The bureau shall then inform all other licensing authorities. Upon any other enforcement action against a licensee, the licensing authority shall notify all other licensing authorities.


(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 16. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26031.5.  (a) A licensing authority may issue a citation to a licensee or unlicensed person for any act or omission that violates or has violated any provision of this division or any regulation adopted pursuant thereto. The licensing authority shall issue the citation in writing, and shall describe with particularity the basis of the citation and the notification described in subdivision (c). The licensing authority may include in each citation an order of abatement and fix a reasonable time for abatement of the violation. The licensing authority may, as part of each citation, assess an administrative fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) per violation by a licensee and thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) per violation by an unlicensed person. Each day of violation shall constitute a separate violation. In assessing a fine, a licensing authority shall give due consideration to the appropriateness of the amount of the fine with respect to factors the licensing authority determines to be relevant, including the following:


(1) The gravity of the violation by the licensee or person.


(2) The good faith of the licensee or person.


(3) The history of previous violations.


(b) The sanctions authorized under this section shall be separate from, and in addition to, all other administrative, civil, or criminal remedies.


(c) A licensing authority that issues a citation pursuant to this section shall include a provision that notifies the licensee or person that a hearing may be requested to contest the finding of a violation by submitting a written request within 30 days from service of the citation. The hearing shall be held pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code), unless held in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 11400) as authorized by regulation of the licensing authority. If the licensee or person cited fails to submit a written request for a hearing within 30 days from the date of service of the citation, the right to a hearing is waived and the citation shall be deemed a final order of the licensing authority and is not subject to review by any court.


(d) After the exhaustion of the administrative and judicial review procedures, a licensing authority may apply to the appropriate superior court for a judgment in the amount of the administrative fine and an order compelling the cited person to comply with the order of the licensing authority. The application, which shall include a certified copy of the final order of the licensing authority, shall constitute a sufficient showing to warrant the issuance of the judgment and order.


(e) A licensing authority may recover from the licensee or person who was the subject of the citation costs of investigation and enforcement, which may include reasonable attorney’s fees for the services rendered. If the licensing authority recovers costs from a licensee, the licensing authority shall recover the costs pursuant to Section 125.3.


(f) Fines shall be paid within 30 days of service of a citation by the licensing authority. Failure to pay a fine assessed pursuant to this section within 30 days of the date of service of the citation, unless the citation is being appealed, shall constitute a separate violation under this division subject to additional action by a licensing authority. A licensing authority shall not renew or grant a license to a person who was the subject of the fine until that person pays the fine. 


(g) All moneys collected pursuant to this section associated with the recovery of investigation and enforcement costs shall be deposited into the Cannabis Control Fund. Any administrative fine amount shall be deposited directly into the Cannabis Fines and Penalties Account and shall be distributed pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 26210.


(Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 40, Sec. 2. (AB 97) Effective July 1, 2019.)


26032.  (a) The actions of a licensee, its employees, and its agents are not unlawful under state law and shall not be an offense subject to arrest, prosecution, or other sanction under state law, or be subject to a civil fine or be a basis for seizure or forfeiture of assets under state law if they are all of the following:


(1) Permitted pursuant to a state license.


(2) Permitted pursuant to a local authorization, license, or permit issued by the local jurisdiction, if any.


(3) Conducted in accordance with the requirements of this division and regulations adopted pursuant to this division.


(b) The actions of a person who, in good faith, allows his or her property to be used by a licensee, its employees, and its agents, as permitted pursuant to a state license and, if required by the applicable local ordinances, a local license or permit, are not unlawful under state law and shall not be an offense subject to arrest, prosecution, or other sanction under state law, or be subject to a civil fine or be a basis for seizure or forfeiture of assets under state law.


(Repealed and added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 18. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017.)


26033.  (a) A qualified patient, as defined in Section 11362.7 of the Health and Safety Code, who cultivates, possesses, stores, manufactures, or transports cannabis exclusively for his or her personal medical use but who does not provide, donate, sell, or distribute cannabis to any other person is not thereby engaged in commercial cannabis activity and is therefore exempt from the licensure requirements of this division.


(b) A primary caregiver who cultivates, possesses, stores, manufactures, transports, donates, or provides cannabis exclusively for the personal medical purposes of no more than five specified qualified patients for whom he or she is the primary caregiver within the meaning of Section 11362.7 of the Health and Safety Code, but who does not receive remuneration for these activities except for compensation in full compliance with subdivision (c) of Section 11362.765 of the Health and Safety Code, is exempt from the licensure requirements of this division.


(Repealed and added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 20. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017.)


26034.  All accusations against licensees shall be filed by the licensing authority within five years after the performance of the act or omission alleged as the ground for disciplinary action; provided, however, that the foregoing provision shall not constitute a defense to an accusation alleging fraud or misrepresentation as a ground for disciplinary action. The cause for disciplinary action in that case shall not be deemed to have accrued until discovery, by the licensing authority, of the facts constituting the fraud or misrepresentation, and, in that case, the accusation shall be filed within five years after that discovery. 


(Repealed and added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 22. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017.)


26035.  The director shall designate the persons employed by the Department of Consumer Affairs for purposes of the administration and enforcement of this division. The director shall ensure that a sufficient number of employees are qualified peace officers for purposes of enforcing this division.


(Added November 8, 2016, by initiative Proposition 64, Sec. 6.1.)


26036.  Nothing in this division shall be interpreted to supersede or limit state agencies from exercising their existing enforcement authority, including, but not limited to, under the Fish and Game Code, the Food and Agricultural Code, the Government Code, the Health and Safety Code, the Public Resources Code, the Water Code, or the application of those laws.


(Added November 8, 2016, by initiative Proposition 64, Sec. 6.1.)


26037.  (a) The actions of a licensee, its employees, and its agents that are (1) permitted under a license issued under this division and any applicable local ordinances and (2) conducted in accordance with the requirements of this division and regulations adopted pursuant to this division, are not unlawful under state law and shall not be an offense subject to arrest, prosecution, or other sanction under state law, or be subject to a civil fine or be a basis for seizure or forfeiture of assets under state law.


(b) The actions of a person who, in good faith, allows his or her property to be used by a licensee, its employees, and its agents, as permitted pursuant to a state license and any applicable local ordinances, are not unlawful under state law and shall not be an offense subject to arrest, prosecution, or other sanction under state law, or be subject to a civil fine or be a basis for seizure or forfeiture of assets under state law.


(Added November 8, 2016, by initiative Proposition 64, Sec. 6.1.)


26038.  (a) A person engaging in commercial cannabis activity without a license required by this division shall be subject to civil penalties of up to three times the amount of the license fee for each violation, and the court may order the destruction of cannabis associated with that violation in accordance with Section 11479 of the Health and Safety Code. Each day of operation shall constitute a separate violation of this section. All civil penalties imposed and collected pursuant to this section by a licensing authority shall be deposited into the General Fund except as provided in subdivision (b). A violator shall be responsible for the cost of the destruction of cannabis associated with his or her violation.


(b) If an action for civil penalties is brought against a person pursuant to this division by the Attorney General on behalf of the people, the penalty collected shall be deposited into the General Fund. If the action is brought by a district attorney or county counsel, the penalty shall first be used to reimburse the district attorney or county counsel for the costs of bringing the action for civil penalties, with the remainder, if any, to be deposited into the General Fund. If the action is brought by a city attorney or city prosecutor, the penalty collected shall first be used to reimburse the city attorney or city prosecutor for the costs of bringing the action for civil penalties, with the remainder, if any, to be deposited into the General Fund.


(c) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), criminal penalties shall continue to apply to an unlicensed person engaging in commercial cannabis activity in violation of this division.


(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 23. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


CHAPTER 4. Appeals [26040 - 26047]  ( Chapter 4 added November 8, 2016, by initiative Proposition 64, Sec. 6.1. )


26040.  (a) (1) There is established in state government, in the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency, a Cannabis Control Appeals Panel which shall consist of the following members:


(A) One member appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules.


(B) One member appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly.


(C) Three members appointed by the Governor and subject to confirmation by a majority vote of all of the members elected to the Senate.


(2) Each member, at the time of their initial appointment, shall be a resident of a different county from the one in which either of the other members resides. Members of the panel shall receive an annual salary as provided for by Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 11550) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.


(b) The members of the panel may be removed from office by their appointing authority.


(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 40, Sec. 3. (AB 97) Effective July 1, 2019. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26041.  All personnel of the panel shall be appointed, employed, directed, and controlled by the panel consistent with state civil service requirements. The director shall furnish the equipment, supplies, and housing necessary for the authorized activities of the panel and shall perform such other mechanics of administration as the panel and the director may agree upon.


(Added November 8, 2016, by initiative Proposition 64, Sec. 6.1.)


26042. The panel shall adopt procedures for appeals similar to the procedures used in Article 3 (commencing with Section 23075) and Article 4 (commencing with Section 23080) of Chapter 1.5 of Division 9 of the Business and Professions Code. Such procedures shall be adopted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act (Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code).


(Added November 8, 2016, by initiative Proposition 64, Sec. 6.1.)


26043.  (a) After proceedings pursuant to Section 26031, 26031.5, or 26058 or Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 480) or Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 490) of Division 1.5, any person aggrieved by the decision of a licensing authority denying the person’s application for any license, denying the person’s renewal of any license, placing any license on probation, imposing any condition on any license, imposing any fine on any license or licensee, assessing any penalty on any license, or canceling, suspending, revoking, or otherwise disciplining any license as provided for under this division, may appeal the licensing authority’s written decision to the panel.


(b) The panel shall review the decision subject to such limitations as may be imposed by the Legislature. In such cases, the panel shall not receive evidence in addition to that considered by the licensing authority.


(c) Review by the panel of a decision of a licensing authority shall be limited to the following questions:


(1) Whether the licensing authority has proceeded without or in excess of its jurisdiction.


(2) Whether the licensing authority has proceeded in the manner required by law.


(3) Whether the decision is supported by the findings.


(4) Whether the findings are supported by substantial evidence in the light of the whole record.


(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 40, Sec. 4. (AB 97) Effective July 1, 2019. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26044.  (a) In appeals where the panel finds that there is relevant evidence which, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, could not have been produced or which was improperly excluded at the hearing before the licensing authority, it may enter an order remanding the matter to the licensing authority for reconsideration in the light of that evidence.


(b) Except as provided in subdivision (a), in all appeals, the panel shall enter an order either affirming or reversing the decision of the licensing authority. When the order reverses the decision of the licensing authority, the panel may direct the reconsideration of the matter in the light of its order and may direct the licensing authority to take such further action as is specially enjoined upon it by law, but the order shall not limit or control in any way the discretion vested by law in the licensing authority.


(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 26. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26045.  (a) No court of this state, except the Supreme Court and the courts of appeal to the extent specified in this chapter, shall have jurisdiction to review, affirm, reverse, correct, or annul any order, rule, or decision of a licensing authority or to suspend, stay, or delay the operation or execution thereof, or to restrain, enjoin, or interfere with a licensing authority in the performance of its duties, but a writ of mandate shall lie from the Supreme Court or the courts of appeal in any proper case.


(b) Any person affected by a final order of the panel, including a licensing authority, may apply to the Supreme Court or to the court of appeal for the appellate district in which the proceeding arose, for a writ of review of that final order.


(c) The application for writ of review shall be made within 30 days after filing of the final order.


(d) The provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure relating to writs of review shall, insofar as applicable, apply to proceedings in the courts as provided by this chapter. A copy of every pleading filed pursuant to this chapter shall be served on the panel, the licensing authority, and on each party who entered an appearance before the panel.


(e) No decision of a licensing authority that has been appealed to the panel and no final order of the panel shall become effective during the period in which application may be made for a writ of review, as provided by subdivision (c).


(f) The filing of a petition for, or the pendency of, a writ of review shall not of itself stay or suspend the operation of any order, rule, or decision of a licensing authority, but the court before which the petition is filed may stay or suspend, in whole or in part, the operation of the order, rule, or decision of the licensing authority subject to review, upon the terms and conditions which it by order directs.


(Repealed and added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 28. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017.)


26046.  (a) The review by the court shall not extend further than to determine, based on the whole record of the licensing authority as certified by the panel, whether:


(1) The licensing authority has proceeded without or in excess of its jurisdiction.


(2) The licensing authority has proceeded in the manner required by law.


(3) The decision of the licensing authority is supported by the findings.


(4) The findings in the licensing authority’s decision are supported by substantial evidence in the light of the whole record.


(5) There is relevant evidence which, in the exercise of reasonable diligence, could not have been produced or which was improperly excluded at the hearing before the licensing authority.


(b) Nothing in this chapter shall permit the court to hold a trial de novo, to take evidence, or to exercise its independent judgment on the evidence.


(Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 29. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017.)


26047.  The findings and conclusions of the licensing authority on questions of fact are conclusive and final and are not subject to review. Those questions of fact shall include ultimate facts and the findings and conclusions of the licensing authority. The panel, the licensing authority, and each party to the action or proceeding before the panel shall have the right to appear in the review proceeding. Following the hearing, the court shall enter judgment either affirming or reversing the decision of the licensing authority, or the court may remand the case for further proceedings before or reconsideration by the licensing authority.


(Added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 30. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017.)


CHAPTER 5. Licensing [26050 - 26059]  ( Chapter 5 added November 8, 2016, by initiative Proposition 64, Sec. 6.1. )


26050.  (a) The license classification pursuant to this division shall, at a minimum, be as follows:


(1) Type 1—Cultivation; Specialty outdoor; Small.


(2) Type 1A—Cultivation; Specialty indoor; Small.


(3) Type 1B—Cultivation; Specialty mixed-light; Small.


(4) Type 1C—Cultivation; Specialty cottage; Small.


(5) Type 2—Cultivation; Outdoor; Small.


(6) Type 2A—Cultivation; Indoor; Small.


(7) Type 2B—Cultivation; Mixed-light; Small.


(8) Type 3—Cultivation; Outdoor; Medium.


(9) Type 3A—Cultivation; Indoor; Medium.


(10) Type 3B—Cultivation; Mixed-light; Medium.


(11) Type 4—Cultivation; Nursery.


(12) Type 5—Cultivation; Outdoor; Large.


(13) Type 5A—Cultivation; Indoor; Large.


(14) Type 5B—Cultivation; Mixed-light; Large.


(15) Type 6—Manufacturer 1.


(16) Type 7—Manufacturer 2.


(17) Type 8—Testing laboratory.


(18) Type 10—Retailer.


(19) Type 11—Distributor.


(20) Type 12—Microbusiness.


(b) With the exception of testing laboratory licenses, which may be used to test cannabis and cannabis products regardless of whether they are intended for use by individuals who possesses a physician’s recommendation, all licenses issued under this division shall bear a clear designation indicating whether the license is for commercial adult-use cannabis activity as distinct from commercial medicinal cannabis activity by prominently affixing an “A” or “M,” respectively. Examples of such a designation include, but are not limited to, “A-Type 1” or “M-Type 1.” Except as specifically specified in this division, the requirements for A-licenses and M-licenses shall be the same. For testing laboratories, the bureau shall create a license that indicates a testing laboratory may test both adult-use and medicinal cannabis.


(c) A license issued pursuant to this division shall be valid for 12 months from the date of issuance. The license may be renewed annually.


(d) Each licensing authority shall establish procedures for the issuance and renewal of licenses.


(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 31. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26050.2.  (a) A licensing authority may, in its sole discretion, issue a provisional license to an applicant if the applicant has submitted a completed license application to the licensing authority, including the following, if applicable: 


(1) If compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code) is not complete, evidence that compliance is underway.


(2) If compliance with local ordinances enacted pursuant to Section 26200 is not complete, evidence that compliance is underway.


(b) A provisional license issued pursuant to this section shall be valid for no more than 12 months from the date it was issued. If the licensing authority issues or renews a provisional license, they shall include the outstanding items needed to qualify for an annual license specific to the licensee.


(c) A licensing authority may, in its sole discretion, renew a provisional license until the licensing authority issues or denies the provisional licensee’s annual license.


(d) A licensing authority may, in its sole discretion, revoke or suspend a provisional license if the licensing authority determines the licensee failed to actively and diligently pursue requirements for the annual license.


(e) A licensing authority shall cancel a provisional license upon issuance of an annual license, denial of an annual license, abandonment of an application for licensure, or withdrawal of an application for licensure.


(f) Except as specified in this section, the provisions of this division shall apply to a provisional license in the same manner as to an annual license.


(g) Without limiting any other statutory exemption or categorical exemption, Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code does not apply to the issuance of a license pursuant to this section by the licensing authority.


(h) Refusal by the licensing authority to issue a license pursuant to this section or revocation or suspension by the licensing authority of a license issued pursuant to this section shall not entitle the applicant or licensee to a hearing or an appeal of the decision. Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 480) of Division 1.5 and Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 26040) of this division and Sections 26031 and 26058 shall not apply to licenses issued pursuant to this section.


(i) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2022, and as of that date is repealed.


(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 40, Sec. 5. (AB 97) Effective July 1, 2019. Repealed as of January 1, 2022, by its own provisions.)


26051.  (a) The Cartwright Act, the Unfair Practices Act, the Unfair Competition Law, and the other provisions of Part 2 (commencing with Section 16600) of Division 7 apply to all licensees regulated under this division.


(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to monopolize, attempt to monopolize, or combine or conspire with any person or persons to monopolize, any part of the trade or commerce related to cannabis. The Attorney General shall have the sole authority to enforce the provisions of this subdivision.


(c) In determining whether to grant, deny, or renew a retail license, microbusiness license, or a license issued under Section 26070.5, the bureau shall consider if an excessive concentration exists in the area where the licensee will operate. For purposes of this section “excessive concentration” applies when either of the following conditions exist:


(1) The ratio of licensees to population in the census tract or census division in which the applicant premises is located exceeds the ratio of licensees to population in the county in which the applicant premises is located, unless denial of the application would unduly limit the development of the legal market so as to perpetuate the illegal market for cannabis or cannabis products.


(2) The ratio of retail licenses, microbusiness licenses, or licenses under Section 26070.5 to the population in the census tract, census division, or jurisdiction exceeds that allowable by local ordinance adopted under Section 26200.


(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 92, Sec. 21. (SB 1289) Effective January 1, 2019.)


26051.5.  (a) An applicant for any type of state license issued pursuant to this division shall do all of the following:


(1) Require that each owner electronically submit to the Department of Justice fingerprint images and related information required by the Department of Justice of all applicants for any type of state license issued pursuant to this division, for the purpose of obtaining information as to the existence and content of a record of state or federal convictions and state and federal arrests, and also information as to the existence and content of a record of state or federal convictions and arrests for which the Department of Justice establishes that the person is free on bail or on their own recognizance pending trial or appeal.


(A) Notwithstanding any other law, the Bureau of Cannabis Control, the Department of Food and Agriculture, and the State Department of Public Health may obtain and receive, at their discretion, criminal history information from the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for an applicant for any state license under this division, including any license established by a licensing authority by regulation pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 26012.


(B) When received, the Department of Justice shall transmit fingerprint images and related information received pursuant to this section to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purpose of obtaining a federal criminal history records check. The Department of Justice shall review the information returned from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and compile and disseminate a response to the licensing authority.


(C) The Department of Justice shall provide a response to the licensing authority pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (p) of Section 11105 of the Penal Code.


(D) The licensing authority shall request from the Department of Justice subsequent notification service, as provided pursuant to Section 11105.2 of the Penal Code, for applicants.


(E) The Department of Justice shall charge the applicant a fee sufficient to cover the reasonable cost of processing the requests described in this paragraph.


(2) Provide evidence of the legal right to occupy and use the proposed location and provide a statement from the landowner of real property or that landowner’s agent where the commercial cannabis activity will occur, as proof to demonstrate the landowner has acknowledged and consented to permit commercial cannabis activities to be conducted on the property by the tenant applicant.


(3) Provide evidence that the proposed location is in compliance with subdivision (b) of Section 26054.


(4) Provide a statement, signed by the applicant under penalty of perjury, that the information provided is complete, true, and accurate.


(5) (A) (i) For an applicant with 20 or more employees, provide a notarized statement that the applicant will enter into, or demonstrate that it has already entered into, and abide by the terms of a labor peace agreement.


(ii) For an applicant with less than 20 employees that has not yet entered into a labor peace agreement, provide a notarized statement as a part of its application indicating that the applicant will enter into and abide by the terms of a labor peace agreement within 60 days of employing its 20th employee.


(iii) Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to limit the authority of the Bureau of Cannabis Control, the Department of Food and Agriculture, and the State Department of Public Health to revoke or suspend a license for a violation of this paragraph.


(B) For the purposes of this paragraph, “employee” does not include a supervisor.


(C) For the purposes of this paragraph, “supervisor” means an individual having authority, in the interest of the applicant, to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, assign, reward, or discipline other employees, or responsibility to direct them or to adjust their grievances, or effectively to recommend such action, if, in connection with the foregoing, the exercise of that authority is not of a merely routine or clerical nature, but requires the use of independent judgment.


(6) Provide the applicant’s valid seller’s permit number issued pursuant to Part 1 (commencing with Section 6001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code or indicate that the applicant is currently applying for a seller’s permit.


(7) Provide any other information required by the licensing authority.


(8) For an applicant seeking a cultivation license, provide a statement declaring the applicant is an “agricultural employer,” as defined in the Alatorre-Zenovich-Dunlap-Berman Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975 (Part 3.5 (commencing with Section 1140) of Division 2 of the Labor Code), to the extent not prohibited by law.


(9) Pay all applicable fees required for licensure by the licensing authority.


(10) Provide proof of a bond to cover the costs of destruction of cannabis or cannabis products if necessitated by a violation of licensing requirements.


(11) (A) Provide a statement, upon initial application and application for renewal, that the applicant employs, or will employ within one year of receiving or renewing a license, one supervisor and one employee who have successfully completed a Cal-OSHA 30-hour general industry outreach course offered by a training provider that is authorized by an OSHA Training Institute Education Center to provide the course. This paragraph shall not be construed to alter or amend existing requirements for employers to provide occupational safety and health training to employees.


(B) An applicant with only one employee shall not be subject to subparagraph (A).


(C) For purposes of this paragraph “employee” has the same meaning as provided in subparagraph (B) of paragraph (5) and “supervisor” has the same meaning as provided in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (5).


(b) An applicant shall also include in the application a detailed description of the applicant’s operating procedures for all of the following, as required by the licensing authority:


(1) Cultivation.


(2) Extraction and infusion methods.


(3) The transportation process.


(4) Inventory procedures.


(5) Quality control procedures.


(6) Security protocols.


(7) For applicants seeking licensure to cultivate, the source or sources of water the applicant will use for cultivation, as provided in subdivisions (a) to (c), inclusive, of Section 26060.1. For purposes of this paragraph, “cultivation” as used in Section 26060.1 shall have the same meaning as defined in Section 26001. The Department of Food and Agriculture shall consult with the State Water Resources Control Board and the Department of Fish and Wildlife in the implementation of this paragraph.


(c) The applicant shall also provide a complete detailed diagram of the proposed premises wherein the license privileges will be exercised, with sufficient particularity to enable ready determination of the bounds of the premises, showing all boundaries, dimensions, entrances and exits, interior partitions, walls, rooms, and common or shared entryways, and include a brief statement or description of the principal activity to be conducted therein, and, for licenses permitting cultivation, measurements of the planned canopy, including aggregate square footage and individual square footage of separate cultivation areas, if any, roads, water crossings, points of diversion, water storage, and all other facilities and infrastructure related to the cultivation.


(d) Provide a complete list of every person with a financial interest in the person applying for the license as required by the licensing authority. For purposes of this subdivision, “persons with a financial interest” does not include persons whose only interest in a licensee is an interest in a diversified mutual fund, blind trust, or similar instrument.


(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 826, Sec. 1. (AB 1291) Effective January 1, 2020.)


26052.  (a) A licensee shall not perform any of the following acts, or permit any of the following acts to be performed by any employee, agent, or contractor of the licensee:


(1) Make any contract in restraint of trade in violation of Section 16600.


(2) Form a trust or other prohibited organization in restraint of trade in violation of Section 16720.


(3) Make a sale or contract for the sale of cannabis or cannabis products, or to fix a price charged therefor, or discount from, or rebate upon, that price, on the condition, agreement, or understanding that the consumer or purchaser thereof shall not use or deal in the goods, merchandise, machinery, supplies, commodities, or services of a competitor or competitors of the seller, where the effect of that sale, contract, condition, agreement, or understanding may be to substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly in any line of trade or commerce.


(4) Sell any cannabis or cannabis products at less than cost for the purpose of injuring competitors, destroying competition, or misleading or deceiving purchasers or prospective purchasers.


(5) Discriminate between different sections, communities, or cities or portions thereof, or between different locations in those sections, communities, or cities or portions thereof in this state, by selling or furnishing cannabis or cannabis products at a lower price in one section, community, or city or any portion thereof, or in one location in that section, community, or city or any portion thereof, than in another, for the purpose of injuring competitors or destroying competition.


(6) Sell any cannabis or cannabis products at less than the cost thereof to such vendor, or to give away any article or product for the purpose of injuring competitors or destroying competition.


(b) Any person who, either as director, officer, or agent of any firm or corporation, or as agent of any person, violates the provisions of this chapter, or assists or aids, directly or indirectly, in that violation is responsible therefor equally with the person, firm, or corporation for which that person acts.


(c) Any person or trade association may bring an action to enjoin and restrain any violation of this section for the recovery of damages.


(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 36. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26053.  (a) All commercial cannabis activity shall be conducted between licensees, except as otherwise provided in this division.


(b) A person that holds a state testing laboratory license under this division is prohibited from licensure for any other activity, except testing, as authorized under this division. A person that holds a state testing laboratory license shall not employ an individual who is also employed by any other licensee that does not hold a state testing laboratory license.


(c) Except as provided in subdivision (b), a person may apply for and be issued more than one license under this division.


(d) Each applicant or licensee shall apply for, and if approved, shall obtain, a separate license for each location where it engages in commercial cannabis activity.


(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 253, Sec. 3. (AB 133) Effective September 16, 2017. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26054.  (a) A licensee shall not sell alcoholic beverages or tobacco products on or at any premises licensed under this division.


(b) A premises licensed under this division shall not be located within a 600-foot radius of a school providing instruction in kindergarten or any grades 1 through 12, day care center, or youth center that is in existence at the time the license is issued, unless a licensing authority or a local jurisdiction specifies a different radius. The distance specified in this section shall be measured in the same manner as provided in subdivision (c) of Section 11362.768 of the Health and Safety Code unless otherwise provided by law.


(c) It shall not be a violation of state or local law for a business engaged in the manufacture of cannabis accessories to possess, transport, purchase, or otherwise obtain small amounts of cannabis or cannabis products as necessary to conduct research and development related to the cannabis accessories, provided the cannabis and cannabis products are obtained from a person licensed under this division permitted to provide or deliver the cannabis or cannabis products.


(d) It shall not be a violation of state or local law for an agent of a licensing authority to possess, transport, or obtain cannabis or cannabis products as necessary to conduct activities reasonably related to the duties of the licensing authority.


(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 38. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26054.2.  (a) A licensing authority shall give priority in issuing licenses under this division to applicants that can demonstrate to the authority’s satisfaction that the applicant operated in compliance with the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (Section 11362.5 of the Health and Safety Code) and its implementing laws before September 1, 2016.


(b) The licensing authorities shall request that local jurisdictions identify for the licensing authorities potential applicants for licensure based on the applicants’ prior operation in the local jurisdiction in compliance with state law, including the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (Section 11362.5 of the Health and Safety Code) and its implementing laws, and any applicable local laws.


(c) In addition to or in lieu of the information described in subdivision (b), an applicant may furnish other evidence as deemed appropriate by the licensing authority to demonstrate operation in compliance with the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (Section 11362.5 of the Health and Safety Code). The licensing authorities may accept such evidence to demonstrate eligibility for the priority provided for in subdivision (a).


(d) This section shall cease to be operative on December 31, 2019, unless otherwise provided by law.


(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 40. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017. Inoperative December 31, 2019, by its own provisions. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26055.  (a) Licensing authorities may issue state licenses only to qualified applicants.


(b) Revocation of a state license issued under this division shall terminate the ability of the licensee to operate pursuant to that license within California until a new license is obtained.


(c) A licensee shall not change or alter the premises in a manner which materially or substantially alters the premises, the usage of the premises, or the mode or character of business operation conducted from the premises, from the plan contained in the diagram on file with the application, unless and until written approval by the licensing authority has been obtained. For purposes of this section, material or substantial physical changes of the premises, or in the usage of the premises, shall include, but not be limited to, a substantial increase or decrease in the total area of the licensed premises previously diagrammed, or any other physical modification resulting in substantial change in the mode or character of business operation.


(d) Licensing authorities shall not approve an application for a state license under this division if approval of the state license will violate the provisions of any local ordinance or regulation adopted in accordance with Section 26200.


(e) An applicant may voluntarily provide proof of a license, permit, or other authorization from the local jurisdiction verifying that the applicant is in compliance with the local jurisdiction. An applicant that voluntarily submits a valid, unexpired license, permit, or other authorization from the local jurisdiction shall be presumed to be in compliance with all local ordinances unless the licensing authority is notified otherwise by the local jurisdiction. The licensing authority shall notify the contact person for the local jurisdiction of any applicant that voluntarily submits a valid, unexpired license, permit, or other authorization from the local jurisdiction.


(f) (1) A local jurisdiction shall provide to the bureau a copy of any ordinance or regulation related to commercial cannabis activity and the name and contact information for the person who will serve as the contact for state licensing authorities regarding commercial cannabis activity within the jurisdiction. If a local jurisdiction does not provide a contact person, the bureau shall assume that the clerk of the legislative body of the local jurisdiction is the contact person.


(2) Whenever there is a change in a local ordinance or regulation adopted pursuant to Section 26200 or a change in the contact person for the jurisdiction, the local jurisdiction shall provide that information to the bureau.


(3) The bureau shall share the information required by this subdivision with the other licensing authorities.


(g) (1) The licensing authority shall deny an application for a license under this division for a commercial cannabis activity that the local jurisdiction has notified the bureau is prohibited in accordance with subdivision (f). The licensing authority shall notify the contact person for the local jurisdiction of each application denied due to the local jurisdiction’s indication that the commercial cannabis activity for which a license is sought is prohibited by a local ordinance or regulation.


(2) Prior to issuing a state license under this division for any commercial cannabis activity, if an applicant has not provided adequate proof of compliance with local laws pursuant to subdivision (e):


(A) The licensing authority shall notify the contact person for the local jurisdiction of the receipt of an application for commercial cannabis activity within their jurisdiction.


(B) A local jurisdiction may notify the licensing authority that the applicant is not in compliance with a local ordinance or regulation. In this instance, the licensing authority shall deny the application.


(C) A local jurisdiction may notify the licensing authority that the applicant is in compliance with all applicable local ordinances and regulations. In this instance, the licensing authority may proceed with the licensing process.


(D) If the local jurisdiction does not provide notification of compliance or noncompliance with applicable local ordinances or regulations, or otherwise does not provide notification indicating that the completion of the local permitting process is still pending, within 60 business days of receiving the inquiry from a licensing authority submitted pursuant to subparagraph (A), the licensing authority shall make a rebuttable presumption that the applicant is in compliance with all local ordinances and regulations adopted in accordance with Section 26200, except as provided in subparagraphs (E) and (F).


(E) At any time after expiration of the 60-business-day period set forth in subparagraph (D), the local jurisdiction may provide written notification to the licensing authority that the applicant or licensee is not in compliance with a local ordinance or regulation adopted in accordance with Section 26200. Upon receiving this notification, the licensing authority shall not presume that the applicant or licensee has complied with all local ordinances and regulations adopted in accordance with Section 26200, and may commence disciplinary action in accordance with Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 26030). If the licensing authority does not take action against the licensee before the time of the renewal of the license, the license shall not be renewed until and unless the local jurisdiction notifies the licensing authority that the licensee is once again in compliance with local ordinances.


(F) A presumption by a licensing authority pursuant to this paragraph that an applicant has complied with all local ordinances and regulations adopted in accordance with Section 26200 shall not prevent, impair, or preempt the local government from enforcing all applicable local ordinances or regulations against the applicant, nor shall the presumption confer any right, vested or otherwise, upon the applicant to commence or continue operating in any local jurisdiction except in accordance with all local ordinances or regulations.


(3) For purposes of this section, “notification” includes written notification or access by a licensing authority to a local jurisdiction’s registry, database, or other platform designated by a local jurisdiction, containing information specified by the licensing authority, on applicants to determine local compliance.


(h) Without limiting any other statutory exemption or categorical exemption, Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code does not apply to the adoption of an ordinance, rule, or regulation by a local jurisdiction that requires discretionary review and approval of permits, licenses, or other authorizations to engage in commercial cannabis activity. To qualify for this exemption, the discretionary review in any such law, ordinance, rule, or regulation shall include any applicable environmental review pursuant to Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code. This subdivision shall become inoperative on July 1, 2021.


(i) A local or state public agency may charge and collect a fee from a person proposing a project pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 21089 of the Public Resources Code.


(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 40, Sec. 6. (AB 97) Effective July 1, 2019. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26056.  The requirements of Sections 13143.9, 13145, and 13146 of the Health and Safety Code shall apply to all licensees.


(Repealed and added by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 44. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017.)


26057.  (a) The licensing authority shall deny an application if either the applicant, or the premises for which a state license is applied, do not qualify for licensure under this division.


(b) The licensing authority may deny the application for licensure or renewal of a state license if any of the following conditions apply:


(1) Failure or inability to comply with the provisions of this division, any rule or regulation adopted pursuant to this division, or any requirement imposed to protect natural resources, including, but not limited to, protections for instream flow, water quality, and fish and wildlife.


(2) Conduct that constitutes grounds for denial of licensure under Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 480) of Division 1.5, except as otherwise specified in this section and Section 26059.


(3) Failure to provide information required by the licensing authority.


(4) The applicant, owner, or licensee has been convicted of an offense that is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the business or profession for which the application is made, except that if the licensing authority determines that the applicant, owner, or licensee is otherwise suitable to be issued a license, and granting the license would not compromise public safety, the licensing authority shall conduct a thorough review of the nature of the crime, conviction, circumstances, and evidence of rehabilitation of the applicant or owner, and shall evaluate the suitability of the applicant, owner, or licensee to be issued a license based on the evidence found through the review. In determining which offenses are substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the business or profession for which the application is made, the licensing authority shall include, but not be limited to, the following:


(A) A violent felony conviction, as specified in subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 of the Penal Code.


(B) A serious felony conviction, as specified in subdivision (c) of Section 1192.7 of the Penal Code.


(C) A felony conviction involving fraud, deceit, or embezzlement.


(D) A felony conviction for hiring, employing, or using a minor in transporting, carrying, selling, giving away, preparing for sale, or peddling, any controlled substance to a minor; or selling, offering to sell, furnishing, offering to furnish, administering, or giving any controlled substance to a minor.


(E) A felony conviction for drug trafficking with enhancements pursuant to Section 11370.4 or 11379.8 of the Health and Safety Code.


(5) Except as provided in subparagraphs (D) and (E) of paragraph (4) and notwithstanding Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 480) of Division 1.5, a prior conviction, where the sentence, including any term of probation, incarceration, or supervised release, is completed, for possession, possession for sale, sale, manufacture, transportation, or cultivation of a controlled substance is not considered substantially related, and shall not be the sole ground for denial of a license. Conviction for any controlled substance felony subsequent to licensure shall be grounds for revocation of a license or denial of the renewal of a license.


(6) The applicant, or any of its officers, directors, or owners, has been subject to fines, penalties, or otherwise been sanctioned for cultivation or production of a controlled substance on public or private lands pursuant to Section 12025 or 12025.1 of the Fish and Game Code.


(7) The applicant, or any of its officers, directors, or owners, has been sanctioned by a licensing authority or a city, county, or city and county for unauthorized commercial cannabis activities, has had a license suspended or revoked under this division in the three years immediately preceding the date the application is filed with the licensing authority.


(8) Failure to obtain and maintain a valid seller’s permit required pursuant to Part 1 (commencing with Section 6001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.


(9) Any other condition specified in law.


(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 92, Sec. 23. (SB 1289) Effective January 1, 2019. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26058.  Upon the denial of any application for a license, the licensing authority shall notify the applicant in writing. Within 30 days of service of the notice, the applicant may file a written petition for a license with the licensing authority. Upon receipt of a timely filed petition, the licensing authority shall set the petition for hearing. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, and the director of each licensing authority shall have all the powers granted therein. Any appeal from a final decision of the licensing authority shall be conducted in accordance with Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 26040).


(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 46. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)


26059.  An applicant shall not be denied a state license if the denial is based solely on any of the following:


(a) A conviction or act that is substantially related to the qualifications, functions, or duties of the business or profession for which the application is made for which the applicant or licensee has obtained a certificate of rehabilitation pursuant to Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 4852.01) of Title 6 of Part 3 of the Penal Code.


(b) A conviction that was subsequently dismissed pursuant to Section 1203.4, 1203.4a, or 1203.41 of the Penal Code or any other provision allowing for dismissal of a conviction.


(Added November 8, 2016, by initiative Proposition 64, Sec. 6.1.)