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April 4, 2025
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:
- Administrative Hearings & Appeals
- Cannabis Criminal Defense
- Cannabis and Hemp Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Corporate & Business Law
- Government Relations, Regulations & Policy
- Hemp & Cannabinoids
- Intellectual Property
- License Violation Defense
- Mergers & Acquisitions Transactions
- Psychedelic Law
- Real Estate, Land Use & Zoning Advice
- Regulatory Compliance & Licensing
- Risk Mitigation Advice & Counsel
- Venture Capital
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.
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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.