How California Cannabis Dispensaries Can Easily Transition Before July 1st

California cannabis dispensaries around the state have been operating under a transitional period to prepare for the regulated marketplace. As the July 1st deadline approaches, there are several ways to prepare for this transition to ensure your marijuana dispensary is compliant and up to code.

In this article, we’ll mention a few things cannabis retail owners need to achieve before operating in the new regulated marketplace in California.

Working with Licensed Distributors

Under new regulations set forth by the Bureau of Cannabis Control, California cannabis dispensaries must only do business with distributors and vendors who have the same type of license. Depending if your cannabis retailer operates with a medical or adult-use business license you’ll only be able to do business with distributors who have the corresponding license. Finding a distributor who can stock your dispensary before July 1st is imperative to making a smooth transition.

Compliant Packaging and Labelling

It’s essential for California cannabis dispensaries to adhere to all the new marijuana packaging and labelling regulations starting July 1st. During this transitional period, marijuana retailers were able to sell product that was not packaged and labelled by the manufacturer. Neither testing nor child resistant packaging were required, but this will all change starting in July. Cannabis retailers must package all loose cannabis in compliant packaging before the deadline to avoid an infraction and associated fees.

Lab Tested Cannabis Products

After July 1st, all California cannabis dispensaries will be required to carry products that have been laboratory tested to ensure it is safe for consumption. Advanced dispensary software can even include this information in the product description so it will appear on digital menus and online listings. If your marijuana retailer stocks or sells any product that has not been tested by a licensed laboratory you will be in direct violation of California regulations.

Employee Compliance Training

Taking some time to train your dispensary employees on new compliance protocols will be extremely beneficial. California cannabis dispensaries need to be prepared for compliance inspections because they will be a common occurrence after July 1st. Validating age, staying within purchase limits, and preparing exit packaging is all part of maintaining compliance and protecting your business.

Calculate Your Cannabis Taxes

Part of doing business in a regulated marketplace is paying taxes. California cannabis dispensaries will be subject to a few different tax rates following the end of the transitional period. It’s crucial for marijuana retailers to understand their specific tax percentages and apply them to every purchase.

Staff members will also need to be knowledgeable as to what the taxes are and where the funds will be used for when informing clientele. IndicaOnline has developed separate tax tiers for each type of patient so dispensaries can process transactions without having to figure out the taxes manually.

Temporary to Annual License

Many California cannabis dispensaries have been operating using a temporary license while waiting for their annual license to be reviewed and hopefully approved. Temporary license holders are not required to report their earnings or inventory until they have been issued an official annual license.

Once a marijuana dispensary receives their annual license, they’ll be required to report everything to Metrc on a daily basis. Fortunately, IndicaOnline can automate compliance reporting so that business owners can focus on running their dispensary and meeting a multitude of other compliance standards.

Utilizing a cannabis specific point-of-sale will help retailers navigate the evolving compliance regulations with ease. Schedule a demo to learn more about our compliance features so you’re dispensary is ready for the July 1st transition.