Major developments are happening in California’s commercial cannabis industry. This week, lawmakers released Proposed Non-Emergency Regulations that will govern all types of commercial cannabis activity. Other developments include California cities positioning themselves to permit commercial cannabis activities in their localities, and the California Tax Franchise Board accepting cash payments for taxes.
California State Licensing Authorities: Bureau of Cannabis Control, Department of Food and Agriculture, Department of Public Health
The California State Cannabis Licensing Authorities have released changes to the proposed cannabis regulations that were published last July 13, 2018. The proposed changes are for Non-Emergency Regulations that will govern all cannabis business types.
There is a 15-day public comment period on the proposed changes that will conclude on November 5, 2018 at 5 p.m.
There is more information on the Bureau of Cannabis Control’s website.
California Tax Franchise Board
The Board will accept cash payment for taxes that are due. In the event that individuals need to pay in cash to avoid undue hardship, applications for exemptions will be accepted. Cash payments must be accompanied by a Currency Deposit form.
More information can be accessed on the Board’s website.
San Luis Obispo, CA
The County’s Sheriff’s office was just recently given authority by the FBI to run fingerprint background checks for cannabis businesses through the State Department of Justice. This means that background checks will include state and federal checks, aside from the local background checks that are conducted.
Another update regarding unincorporated San Luis Obispo, the County’s cannabis regulations that govern unincorporated areas will permit commercial cannabis activities in these areas if the applicants apply for a County Business License, a Land-Use Permit is approved, and the applicant passes a criminal background check conducted by the Sheriff’s Office.
More information can be accessed on the County’s website.
Atwater, CA
Atwater’s City Council conducted its first reading of Ordinance No. CS 999, which would allow cannabis businesses to operate within the City upon attaining a Development Agreement, City Business License, a Conditional Use Permit, as well as comply with Title 17 of the Atwater Municipal Code. Cannabis Businesses will be limited to the M-2 District, which is the Industrial Zone.
The Council also conducted the first reading of an ordinance that would remove the limitation on the number of dispensaries allowed under the Cannabis Pilot Program. Consideration regarding selecting staff-recommended dispensary candidates for the Cannabis Business Pilot Program was discussed. There was also discussion regarding removing the limitation on the number of dispensaries and approving three non-dispensary recommended candidates. The City Manager was directed to initiate Phase II and negotiate a draft Development Agreement.
More information can be accessed on the City’s website.
Riverside, CA
The Board of Supervisors may engage the services of HdL Companies to provide cannabis consulting services to the City, through June 30, 2019. The Board will also be holding a public hearing to amend the Riverside County Land Use Ordinance No. 348, which proposes regulations and development standards for cannabis activities within the unincorporated areas of Riverside County. The ordinance would allow medical and adult-use commercial cannabis cultivation, nurseries, distribution, manufacturing, testing, retail sale, delivery and microbusinesses.
More information can be accessed on the County’s website.
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