As the end of the year approaches, more and more California counties and cities are gearing towards amending cannabis ordinances to permit commercial cannabis activities. This week, government agencies are taking the lead to ensure commercial cannabis business operators are able to meet local and state deadlines, as well as submit comprehensive and accurate applications.
Department of Fish and Wildlife and State Water Resources Control Board
The Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has teamed up with the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to host free Cannabis Permitting Workshops. There will be three separate workshops that will be held on December 4, 5, and 6. The workshops will include presentations form CDFW and SWRCB on the requirements and process of obtaining proper permits for cannabis cultivators. Representatives from the Department of Food and Agriculture’s CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing division will also be in attendance to answer any questions.
The workshops will be held at the following locations:
- December 4: 10 a.m.- 3p.m., Coachella Valley Association of Governments, 73-710 Fred Waring Dr., Suite 115, Palm Desert, CA 92260
- December 5: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., Adelanto Stadium, 12000 Stadium Way, Adelanto, CA 92301
- December 6: 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., El Garces Room, 950 Front St., Needles, CA 92363
For more information on the workshops, visit the Department of Fish and Wildlife website or the State Water Resources Control Board website.
San Luis Obispo County, CA
The County’s Board will hold a hearing on December 11, 2018, to introduce and conduct its first reading of an ordinance that would amend Title 6 of the County’s Code that oversees Business Licenses. This ordinance would clarify and streamline processes and protocols related to hearings and appeals for cannabis business license denials and revocations.
Access more information on the County’s website.
Long Beach, CA
The City of Long Beach released an official notification dated November 15, 2018, that addressed several state and city cannabis permit and license deadlines. Failure to meet the deadlines could negatively affect an applicant’s ability to obtain state and local approval to operate commercial cannabis businesses.
The deadlines of specific interest are:
- December 1, 2018: Deadline to apply for a State Temporary License
- December 31, 2018: Deadline for the State to issue or extend temporary licenses
- February 9, 2019: City’s Deadline to apply to co-locate or convert to adult use without regard to buffer and zoning requirements
More information can be accessed on the City’s website.
Los Angeles, CA
The Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) and other City departments have begun their inspection of Phase 2 Cannabis Business Permit Applicants. In an effort to effectively manage City funds and time, the City has asked that Phase 2 applicants take a brief eligibility survey to determine their eligibility. The DCR is requesting that all applicants take the survey and report their status, via email, that includes their application number, business premises address, and one of these statements.
- The applicant confirms that its business premises meets all three conditions necessary to be considered ready for inspection; OR
- The applicant confirms that its business premises does not meet all three conditions necessary to be considered ready for inspection. The applicant will notify DCR when it has met all three conditions.
All emails should be sent to DCRLicensing@lacity.org as soon as possible and no later than 5 p.m. on November 20, 2018.
More information can be accessed on the City’s website.
Santa Barbara County, CA
The County of Santa Barbara now has an Upload Portal on its website where cannabis business applicants can send completed materials directly to the county.
For more information on licensing in Santa Barbara County, visit the County’s website.
Are you ready to take your ideas to the next step? Or you’ve already made a move and need specific advice and assistance regarding your cannabis business? Contact a team member today. We can help you figure things out.
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