Our California cannabis attorneys at Manzuri Law help industry professionals apply for and maintain their storefront retail and delivery licenses, no matter where the applicant resides in the state of California. In just over a decade, we have assisted over 200 cannabis licensees in obtaining and maintaining their California cannabis licenses. We can do the same for you.
Whether you are pursuing ownership of a cannabis retail store or delivery service, the location and licensing processes are similar — but may have different legal complexities. Here is what prospective business owners need to know before getting started.
Locate a Retail or Delivery Business Site in a City and/or County that Allows Cannabis Sales
Before you can receive a California cannabis retail or delivery license from the California Department of Cannabis Control (the “DCC”), you will need to secure approval and probably a permit from the local jurisdiction, city and/or county, in which the business will be located.
Not all California cities or counties allow commercial cannabis operations. Those that do have their own set of complex licensing, zoning, and compliance requirements — unique to their geographical city and county limits — making experienced counsel essential to both new and existing cannabis businesses and their success in the industry.
Our leading California cannabis attorneys can help you understand the best real estate opportunities that are right for your company’s vision before leasing or purchasing property for your new or current venture, and help ensure your city and county permit requirements are finalized before the licensing stage.
Once the real estate requirements are met, we will provide the skilled legal advice and representation necessary to procure and maintain your California cannabis license based on the exacting city and county legal requirements, so your compliance is detailed at each step of the process.
New California Retail or Delivery Businesses Must Obtain a License
There are several different license types for California cannabis businesses, which are issued by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). These licenses must be renewed annually, and, assuming the applicant has local approval and/or local license for retail or delivery businesses.
Next, you must select the proper license that reflects your California cannabis retail or delivery business activity type:
- License Type 10: Retailer that operates retail sales from a storefront, including on-premises and delivery sales.
- License Type 9: Non-storefront retailer that provides delivery only from a licensed premise that is not open to the public.
- License Type 12: Microbusiness, which participates in three of the following four activities: Retail sales (Type 10 or Type 9), Cultivation on a plot of less than 10,000 square feet, Distribution, or Manufacturing.
Once you determine which type of cannabis business is right for you, our skilled California attorneys can help you prepare the necessary paperwork and accompanying documentation to submit a completed application to the DCC for review.
What Information Do I Need to Apply for a California Cannabis Business License?
California cannabis retail or delivery owners are required to submit the seller’s permit number issued by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration when applying for a license.
If you do not have a seller’s permit number, you will be asked to attest that you are currently applying for one.
To apply for a cannabis business license in California, you will also need to provide detailed information regarding who is applying for the license, the company name and business structure in which you intend to do business, where it is located, and both state and federal employer identification numbers, when applicable.
You must also include information as to whether you have previously had a cannabis business license denied, suspended, or revoked. This will require you to include the type of cannabis license, the licensing authority that denied, suspended, or revoked the license, and the date that the denial occurred.
Once you make an attestation as to the truthfulness of your application and submit the cannabis business license application, it is important to be on the lookout for any emails from DCC. They will often issue a deficiency letter and may request more information about the entity. This information must be supplied quickly and accurately to avoid any delays in the licensing process.
Once your application is approved, you will receive instructions on how to pay your licensing fee. Your license will be issued electronically once the DCC receives payment. The DCC has additional requirements to create and submit an entity’s standard operating procedures, properly train employees, and manage how facilities must be set up. Make sure you understand and can meet these requirements.
Contact Our Trusted Cannabis Law Firm in California
If you need help obtaining a new cannabis retail or delivery license in California, or would like to ensure your site selection, licensing application, and regulatory requirements are met, we can help.
Contact one of our California cannabis law firm specialists today by phone at (310) 912-2960 or online to ensure you are starting your new cannabis retail or delivery business with confidence.
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