Proposed Medical Cannabis Draft Regulations Released in California
Now is the time to weigh in on medical cannabis regulation proposals in California before regulations are in place. On April 28, a series of proposed medical cannabis regulations were released by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). CalCannabis is the branch of the CDFA that will oversee cannabis cultivation. The same day, the Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation (BMCR) released proposed licensing regulations. Both agencies are inviting the public to comment.
Per the proposed regulations, all dispensaries would have to close by 9 p.m. Commercial vehicles that carry cannabis would not be allowed to park overnight in a residential neighborhood. Those who cultivate in multiple locations would have to apply for a license for each location, however the Department wouldn’t restrict the number of cultivation licenses a person can have “at any time” if their total canopy is under four acres. Cultivation licenses would have to be renewed annually. Many more restrictions would apply and are listed in detail.
Interested individuals can review the proposed regulations online, or read the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking or the Initial Statement of Reasons. The CDFA is planning on beginning to issue licenses on January 1, 2018, according to its website.
The release date marks the first day of a 45-day public comment period. Everyone is encouraged to comment in written form or attend a public hearing. Written comments can be emailed here or mailed to the CDFA at 1220 N Street, Suite 400 Sacramento, CA 95814.
Vocal comments are welcomed at the following public hearings:
PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR COMMENTS TO CALCANNABIS
May 16, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Delhi Center Ballroom, 505 East Central Avenue, Santa Ana
May 18, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Visalia Convention Center, Sequoia Room, 303 East Acequia Avenue, Visalia
May 25, 1 p.m. -3 p.m.
Ukiah Convention Center, Cabernet Room, 200 South School Street, Ukiah
June 14, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
California Department of Food and Agriculture Auditorium, 1220 N Street, Sacramento
PUBLIC HEARINGS FOR COMMENTS TO THE BMCR
June 1, 2017, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Adorni Center, 1011 Waterfront Drive, Eureka
June 8, 2017, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Junipero Serra Building, 320 W. Fourth Street, Los Angeles
June 9, 2017, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Department of Consumer Affairs, Hearing Room, S-102, 1625 North Market Boulevard, Sacramento
June 13, 2017, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
King Library, Second Floor, 150 E. San Fernando Street, San Jose
