California is one of the many US states that have legalized both medical and recreational cannabis use. If you're interested in starting a cannabis business or simply want to verify if a business is licensed, it's crucial to understand how to search for a California cannabis license. In this article, we'll explore the search methods, resources, and useful websites to ensure you have all the information you need.
California Cannabis Licensing Authorities
In California, three different state agencies regulate and issue licenses for cannabis businesses:
Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC): Responsible for licensing cannabis retailers, distributors, testing laboratories, and microbusinesses.
California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA): Oversees the licensing of cannabis cultivators.
California Department of Public Health (CDPH): Regulates and licenses manufacturers of cannabis-infused products.
Before you start your search, it's essential to know which agency to consult based on the type of license you're looking for.
Methods and Resources for Searching California Cannabis Licenses
Online License Search Portals
Each of the three licensing authorities has an online portal where you can search for cannabis licenses:
BCC License Search: https://online.bcc.ca.gov/bcc/Default.aspx
CDFA CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing (CalCannabis) Search: https://aca6.accela.com/calcannabis/Default.aspx
CDPH Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch (MCSB) License Search: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/MCSB/Pages/MCSB.aspx
These portals allow you to search for a specific license using various criteria, such as business name, license number, or location. You'll be able to view essential information like license status, expiration date, and licensee contact information.
Local City and County Websites
Local governments in California may have additional regulations and licensing requirements for cannabis businesses. To get a comprehensive picture of a business's licensing status, it's a good idea to consult the city or county website where the business is located. These websites often have a business license search tool or a list of licensed cannabis businesses.
Contacting the Licensing Authorities
If you're unable to find the information you need through the online portals or local websites, you can also contact the relevant licensing authority directly. Each agency has a dedicated phone number and email address for inquiries:
You can send most questions and comments to the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) main support desk at info@cannabis.ca.gov.
Licensees and applicants
Most requested actions
To notify DCC of a product recall, email recalls@cannabis.ca.gov
To request to change or update your license, email licensechange@cannabis.ca.gov
To make an appointment to pay a fee, email payments@cannabis.ca.gov
To submit a data package (testing labs), email testinglabs@cannabis.ca.gov
To request to remediate cannabis goods that failed testing, email remediation@cannabis.ca.gov
To file an appeal, email appeals@cannabis.ca.gov
Contacts by topic
Licensing, including applications and renewals: licensing@cannabis.ca.gov
Track and Trace:
System technical support: support@metrc.com
Regulatory requirements: trackandtrace@cannabis.ca.gov
Testing laboratories, including technical support and test results: testinglabs@cannabis.ca.gov
Equity, including equity applicant assistance and outreach: equity@cannabis.ca.gov
Contacts for other stakeholders
Local governments: locals@cannabis.ca.gov
News media: press@cannabis.ca.gov
Law enforcement and other state agencies: enforcement@cannabis.ca.gov
Grant recipients: grants@cannabis.ca.gov
Submit a complaint
You can submit a complaint about:
A cannabis business operating without a license
A licensed cannabis business
Cannabis goods, including their packaging and labeling
Cannabis goods that made you sick
Call
The best way to reach them is by email. If you'd prefer to talk by phone, call 1‑844‑61‑CA‑DCC (1‑844‑612‑2322).
Visit office
You can visit offices in Sacramento or Eureka to:
Get technical assistance
Pay a fee
Offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
You must make an appointment for fee payments. For appointments, email at payments@cannabis.ca.gov or call 1‑844‑61‑CA‑DCC (1‑844‑612‑2322).
Sacramento office
2920 Kilgore Road
Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
North Coast regional office
930 Sixth Street
Eureka, CA 95501
Request a speaker
You can request Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) staff to participate in your upcoming event. Email at outreach@cannabis.ca.gov.
Submit a Public Records Act (PRA) request
You can submit a PRA request for documents that DCC has on file.
Before you submit a request, check their license search to see if the information is already available online.
Submit your PRA request by:
Emailing at publicrecords@cannabis.ca.gov
Calling
Sending mail
Provide details about the records you want. This helps them identify relevant documents.
Conclusion
Finding information about California cannabis licenses is a straightforward process once you know where to look. By using the online search portals, checking local government websites, or contacting the licensing authorities directly, you can ensure you're dealing with a licensed and compliant cannabis business.
