Prominent California Cannabis Annual License Attorneys

Experienced cannabis industry license procurement and renewal support and advocacy

Since 2010, our California cannabis annual license attorneys have helped over 200 businesses procure or maintain compliance in the industry. In the California cannabis industry, compliance is key, and the ever-evolving local and state regulations can make the process more complex with each year that passes. Worse, if the annual cannabis license renewal process is not executed properly, the state will return the application for further information. Most importantly, cannabis licensing delays or denials can bring your business to a standstill. Manzuri Law’s attorneys can help ensure your cannabis business is in full compliance going forward.

What is the Process for Renewing a Cannabis License in California?

All annual cannabis licenses in California can be renewed up to 60 days before your license expires. Cannabis business owners will receive an email from the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) once the renewal window opens. Once the cannabis license renewal window is open, be sure to confirm all the information that your business has on file with the DCC is current. That includes vehicle information, product lists, standard operating procedures, cultivation plans, and premises diagrams. California cannabis business owners must also provide the business’s gross annual revenue, and evidence of the amount through tax returns or profit and loss statements. Once all the cannabis business information is updated and complete, the Owner must review and execute the renewal application. After submission of your renewal application, your renewal fee will be due, and must be paid before your updated cannabis license is available for download. The renewal fee is based upon your estimated gross revenue for the previous year. For cannabis businesses that have multiple licenses, this estimate can be difficult to obtain. Working with a skilled cannabis license renewal attorney in California will allow you to accurately examine your financials to arrive at a proper fee estimation. Once the fees are paid, the approved license will be available for download, with the exception of Manufacturing licenses will be available only after the previous one has expired. Business Owners are instructed to print and post the renewed cannabis license in a conspicuous place where visitors to your facility can see it.

At Manzuri Law, Our Skilled Cannabis Attorneys and Specialists Also Focuses On The Following Practice Areas:

Can I Obtain a Provisional Cannabis License in California?

Cannabis operators in California have previously been able to obtain a “provisional” state license if they meet all the annual licensing requirements except for a select few dealing primarily with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the Department of Fish & Wildlife. Assembly Bill 141 (2021) and Senate Bill 160 (2021), modified the requirements for provisional licenses to include application end dates. They include:

June 30, 2022 is the last date for cultivators to apply for a provisional license.
March 31, 2023 is the last date for all other local equity operators to apply for a provisional license.
January 1, 2024 is the last effective date for any provisional license covering Type 5 (“large”) cultivation activity.
January 1, 2025 is the deadline for the DCC to renew provisional licenses.
January 1, 2026 is the last day for any provisional license to be in effect.

All California cannabis businesses will be operating under an annual state license after January 1, 2026. If you would like help renewing your annual California cannabis license or pursuing a provisional license while there is still time, contact one of our California cannabis law firm specialists today by phone at (310) 912-2960 or online.

Frequently Asked Questions of Cannabis Annual License

What Fees Are Associated with Obtaining a Cannabis License in California?

There are two types of fees for a cannabis license: Application Fees and License Fees. The California Cannabis License Application Fee is due at the time you submit your application. Your application is reviewed only after the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) receives your application fee. The California Cannabis License Fee is due once your application is approved. The DCC issues your license after you pay the annual license fee. License Fees are specific to the license type you are applying for or renewing. Most fees are calculated based on your business’s gross annual revenue.

How Does the DCC Review California Cannabis License Applications?

During the review process, DCC staff will:  

Check that your application and the corresponding documents are complete.
Contact the city or county where your business is located to confirm that you meet local requirements and have approval to operate
Review your business owners’ criminal history, if applicable.
Review the information you submitted to make sure your business and application meets the requirements for licensing.

If your application is incomplete, the DCC will request additional information, which may lead to delays in the license’s approval. Partnering with an experienced California cannabis attorney is crucial to facilitating this application process, so you can start operating your business without delay.

Where are Cannabis Businesses Allowed to Operate in California?

Each city and county in California has different laws which dictate where and what types of cannabis businesses can operate within their jurisdictions. Due to local political pushback, the list of California cities and counties that allow cannabis businesses to operate is constantly changing. It is imperative that you are aware of all local cannabis ordinances and ensure your business meets all local requirements, as well as those requirements imposed by the DCC

If I am Renewing My License, Do I Have to Pay the California Cannabis License Application Fee Again?

No. You do not have to pay a separate application fee again, however, you will be expected to pay the License fee You can renew your license up to 60 days before it expires andyou will receive an automated email with instructions once your renewal window opens. Each year, you must update your application information with the DCC and pay the annual licensing fee associated with your type of cannabis business.

Are There California Cannabis License Fee Waivers?

Yes. If you were negatively affected by the criminalization of cannabis, you can apply to have your license fee waived or deferred. To qualify, you must meet strict criteria for the Equity Fee Relief Program. Related Links:

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TESTIMONIALS

“Dealing with the process/angst of obtaining City/State licenses has been daunting to say the least, but the attorneys at Manzuri Law have seamlessly helped us navigate through it with great success in obtaining all licenses that we've applied for. Can’t thank them enough!”

"Manzuri Law is an integral part of my ongoing cannabis business. Manzuri Law is our outside counsel and has helped us through numerous matters including compliance, intellectual property, licensing, contracts, real estate, corporate and securities. Working in this industry spans so many areas of law, it is great to know that I can pick up the phone and call to get the right direction."

“The firm has kept us up to date on the industry’s ever-changing legal requirements and helped us plan for the future. They are always keeping us one step ahead so we can make the right decisions. The team at Manzuri Law has been there for us when it’s crunch time for licensing or some kind of industry wide crisis truly working around the clock to ensure that their clients are taken care of!”

"Eureka Vapor, a cannabis company here in Los Angeles and in Colorado since 2011 was once faced with its biggest issue of all in 2019, holding a license. With licensing off to a very slow start without a future in the near, Eureka was facing closing its doors with the lack of support from the city. It wasn’t until we found Manzuri Law that we saw hope. Manzuri law has gone above and beyond in the last couple of years for us, proving to have such great impact in the industry. It wasn’t until we found Manzuri Law that we saw hope. Manzuri law has gone above and beyond in the last couple of years for us, proving to have such great impact in the industry.”

"We are excited to announce that we now hold licenses with the city of Los Angeles in Manufacturing and Distribution and Retail in other localities. It has not been an easy road for any of us in this ever growing industry, and as we continue to accomplish all the hurdles the industry has thrown our way, we are proud to say that we have the most amazing support team behind us, Manzuri Law. From the whole team here at Eureka, we would like to say thank you for all you and your team has done for us."

"Manzuri Law are not your typical lawyers, they provide creative thinking and solutions, they really know the law, impeccable customer service & most important delivering results I didn’t find the above with any other lawyers in the space. Beside I always like to support female owned and operated businesses, so for me it's an additional bonus."

"Manzuri Law helped us out with our licensing - something that was deemed impossible by other lawyers. They truly made the impossible possible."

Meet Our Founder

Cannabis Crimes

It is legal for anyone 21 and older to possess up to an ounce of cannabis, 6 plants and 4 grams of concentrate.

Any person in unlawful possession of cannabis over these amounts can be charged with a variety of violations of Health & Safety Code including § 11357 (possession), § 11358 (cultivation), § 11359 (possession with intent to sell), and § 11360 (transportation or offer to sell). These can be charged as infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies with punishment of up to three years in prison.

Under Proposition 64, it is still a crime to do any of the following:

Operate a cannabis business without a license
Possess more cannabis than the legal limits above
Grow more cannabis than the legal limits above
Consume cannabis in public (similar to alcohol)
Consume cannabis while driving
Drive with an open container of cannabis
Drive while impaired
Give cannabis to minors (under 21)
Possess cannabis as a minor for recreational use (under 21)

As pioneers of California’s cannabis laws, the attorneys of Manzuri Law have defended thousands of clients who were charged and accused of cannabis crimes in both Federal and State court. Due to their expertise, Manzuri Law attorneys have the highest success rates in the state for acquittals, plea agreements, and dismissals in cannabis cases. Book a consultation today to discuss your case.

Legal Defenses

Under California law, you are entitled to a defense in court. Depending on the charges, this defense can include lawful possession, a medical defense, mistakes of fact, or mistake of law.

Sometimes, a defense is not about the crime but law enforcement procedure. A procedural defense can include lack of probable cause, search and seizure issues or insufficient evidence.

Often, officers cut corners in their initial investigation to get to what they are looking for. Manzuri Law takes an in-depth look at all the places that narcotics officers could and would violate rights. Our experts will identify where officers erred in their procedures and often get the evidence suppressed and the case dismissed.

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