California's legal cannabis industry is massive, and it is growing every day. It's no surprise that starting a business in this booming market comes with its own unique obstacles that require the proper attention. Thankfully California has provided a checklist for everything you need to do to complete applications for all cannabis business types. Here we break down everything that's needed specifically for dispensary applicants.
California has created a checklist with the following necessary steps. Download the checklist here.
The Department of Cannabis Control wants you to have an enjoyable and informative experience. They have outlined ten specific steps for accurately completing a California dispensary license application. By following these steps in their entirety, uploading the correct documentation and providing the correct plans (sheets), you'll be on your way to success. First, decide on the type of business you want to start (this guide is for dispensaries specififcally but each business type has a similar process), then register with the California Secretary of State. Next, follow these 10 steps to starting your cannabis dispensary.
Many cities and counties have rules and permitting for cannabis businesses. Some do not allow cannabis businesses. Make sure you set up your business in an area that allows commercial cannabis activity. Complete any permitting requirements your city or county requires before you apply for a state cannabis license.
The Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has requirements for standard operating procedures, training employees and how facilities must be set up. Make sure you understand and can meet these rules.
The Department of Cannabis Control has resources to help you create the documents you need during the license process.
The Department of Cannabis Control has three licensing systems. Use the one that corresponds to the license type you’re applying for. Create an account in the system. Remember your username and password so you can log back in.
Fill in the required fields in the licensing system and upload any needed documents. Make sure you disclose all your business’s owners and financial interest holders. The Department of Cannabis Control licensing systems let you save your progress as you go, so you do not need to complete it all in one sitting. When you finish your application, sign and submit it.
When you finish your license application, the system will tell you how to pay your application fee. Department of Cannabis Control cannot process your application until you pay your application fee.
If any parts of your application are not good enough, the Department of Cannabis Control licensing team will email you. They will tell you what you need to correct and give you a deadline to respond. Responding with complete information as quickly as you can helps Department of Cannabis Control process your application in a timely manner.
If your application is approved, you’ll receive an email with instructions about how to pay your license fee. You can pay your fee through the licensing system via bank account/check, money order or credit card. You can also pay in cash by setting up an appointment to visit our office in person. For security purposes, no cash payments can be accepted without an appointment. Your license will be issued once we receive your payment.
The Department of Cannabis Control licenses are good for one year. Once your license is issued, you can download your license certificate from the licensing system. Post your certificate in a visible place near the entrance of your business so visitors can see it.
Make sure that your application is complete by collecting the documents you will need to upload. Once complete, submit these required documents. While this part of the process may be arduous, it is necessary. Here's a list of the documents that you will need to upload during your application process. For some of this documentation you may need to collaborate with third parties such as an architect, landlord, and labor union (contact a labor union for a labor peace agreement here).
While we might be used to documenting people's contributions in the business world (like in bios and resumes), it can feel invasive to document the private details of your life. However if you want to gain a dispensary license and fulfill the requirements of your state, you'll need to give certain documentation showing things like:
The Department of Cannabis Control may request these forms, if needed during application review. Get them ready ahead of time so you aren't in a last minute crunch! The sheets listed in the next section of this article will give you all the information you need to fully fill out these forms.
These sheets will help ensure you comply with dispensary application requirements in California. Place each of the following sheets in you cart for purchase, utilize the Primary DIY Guide and each sheet's DIY Guide to integrate the regulations which are listed under each plan type below.
The regulation sections listed below each sheet below can be found here in the Department of Cannabis Control Medicinal and Adult-Use Commercial Cannabis Regulations California Code of Regulations Title 4 ; Division 19. Department of Cannabis Control
Use the following sections of the regulation along with the Primary DIY Guide and this sheet's specific DIY Guide to customize your Dispensary Inventory Management Plan sheet.
Use the following sections of the regulation along with the Primary DIY Guide and this sheet's specific DIY Guide to customize your Inventory Agent/Manager Job Description sheet
Use the following sections of the regulation along with the Primary DIY Guide and this sheet's specific DIY Guide to customize your Dispensary Verifying and Testing Plan sheet
Use the following sections of the regulation along with the Primary DIY Guide and this sheet's specific DIY Guide to customize your Dispensary Security Plan sheet
Use the following sections of the regulation along with the Primary DIY Guide and this sheet's specific DIY Guide to customize your Dispensary Security Agent job Description sheet
Use the following sections of the regulation along with the Primary DIY Guide and this sheet's specific DIY Guide to customize your Dispensary Security Agent Onboarding sheet
Use the following sections of the regulation to customize your Delivery Plan sheet
Use the following sections of the regulation along with the Primary DIY Guide and this sheet's specific DIY Guide to customize your Delivery Agent Onboarding sheet
Use the following sections of the regulation along with the Primary DIY Guide and this sheet's specific DIY Guide to customize Recall, Quarantine and Waste Destruction Plan sheet
Use the following sections of the regulation along with the Primary DIY Guide and this sheet's specific DIY Guide to customize Recordkeeping Plan Plan sheet
There are a few people you'll definitely need to work with to get your license application submitted so you can get your store up and running ASAP. We've put together a list of some of the most important contacts for you below so you can save time.
We know applying for a dispensary in California's giant cannabis industrycan be confusing and frustrating, so we have made everything easy for you. Our Leafsheets come pre-filled out with all the information you need to get licensed and open on time! They look professional, are downloadable and printable, and come with the DIY Guide that will show you step by step how to set up your own application. Contact us if you have any questions.
Leafsheets is a cannabis business support and acceleration platform that is breaking the barriers to entry and success in cannabis business by simplifying cannabis entrepreneurship. Leafsheets provides vital operating plans, business information, and answers to the most pressing questions --- all of which are usually hard to access and require spending tens of thousands of dollars on consultants. Not anymore! Get everything you need to be 10 steps ahead.
Leafsheets is an experienced business advisor and not a legal advisor. For legal advice, consult with a licensed legal practitioner in your state.
Leafsheets has you covered. Whether you're just getting started on your startup journey, are prepping a business plan for investors, or are up-leveling your operations game - Leafsheets has you covered. Find the operating documents you need to set a solid foundation for your cannabis business success. Start now!
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