BCC Extends Emergency Cannabis Regulations for 6 Months

Today the California Bureau of Cannabis Control announced that they will be extending the time limit on the emergency cannabis regulations. Chief Officer, Lori Ajax stated that, “These proposed changes to our emergency regulations are based on feedback from our stakeholders, and information gathered over the first four months of implementation.”

This decision comes just before the transitional period was over and many marijuana dispensaries were in the process of making adjustments. The BCC isn’t the only licensing authority making policy changes as both the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Food and Agriculture have made changes to their regulations.

California Bureau of Cannabis Control

One of the major changes directly affects the cannabis business license application process. Marijuana dispensaries that are applying for both a medical and adult-use license now only need to submit one application. This should help speed up the turnover time to be approved for both licenses and cut down on the amount of paperwork required to be approved.

Another regulation that has been adapted relates to how retailers engage with other businesses. Any licensed marijuana dispensary may now do business with any other licensee regardless of the type of license. Additionally all business license applicants will now pay one licensing fee regardless of designation. For a complete list of changes to the emergency cannabis regulations visit the Bureau of Cannabis Control website.

California Department of Public Health

There have also been changes made to the emergency cannabis regulations regarding manufacturing. All marijuana manufacturers will now be required to place labels on all cannabis products over 1000 mg as ‘Medical Use Only’ before sending the batch to the distributor. Distributors will still be responsible for providing labelling for any product under 1000mg prior to selling to the retailers.

The California Department of Public Health has also set mandates on the amount of alcohol that can be contained in cannabis infused products. The current limit is 0.5% alcohol by volume however the CDPH has made an exception for tinctures which is typically made with either alcohol or glycerin. There are also minor changes as to how these products are labelled and packaged.

California Department of Food and Agriculture

There have been some changes to the type of documentation necessary to apply for a temporary cultivation license. The California Department of Food and Agriculture now requires applicants to submit a proposed cultivation plan as well as applicable water sources. Additionally, cultivators must provide evidence of their enrollment in water quality protection programs with their regional Water Quality Control Board or written verification that enrollment is not mandatory.

These new cultivation requirements will assist regulators in controlling where growers source their water and how it is used. Considering that California is still in a drought these new provisions are more than reasonable. To stay up-to-date on all of the emergency cannabis regulations, subscribe to the BBC’s email list.