January 1, 2025, is the last day the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) can renew provisional licenses. Provisional licensees must meet all annual requirements and comply with specific renewal requirements to transition to an annual license (CCR 15001.2 and 15020).
Failure to resolve outstanding deficiencies and meet requirements for annual licensure or failure to comply with applicable laws can result in suspension or revocation of the provisional license and denial of the annual license application.
How can I transition to an annual license?
Cultivation Provisional Licensees:
- Locate your deficiency notice(s)- log into your account on the DCC’s cultivation licensing portal and go to the Documents tab.
- Reference all deficiency notice(s) and submit all final documentation via a science amendment. If you already submitted a Science Amendment and have questions regarding the status, email [email protected].
Non-cultivation Provisional Licensees:
- Reference all emailed deficiency notice(s) and email all final documentation to the DCC contact within the notice.
- If you already submitted all final documentation and have questions regarding the status, email [email protected].
What happens when a provisional licensee does not comply with the law or fails to transition to an annual license?
When a provisional licensee has failed to comply with the law, failed to actively and diligently pursue annual licensure, or cannot meet the requirements of annual licensure, the DCC may:
- Suspend the provisional license,
- Revoke the provisional license,
- Deny renewal of the provisional license, or
- Deny the annual license application.
If DCC is considering suspending, revoking, or denying renewal of a provisional license, a Notice of Provisional License Review (Notice) will be issued. The Notice will identify violations or outstanding information and the way compliance may be achieved and instructions on requesting an informal meeting with DCC to discuss the matter.
If the DCC is considering denying the annual license application, the applicant may withdraw the application at any time prior to the denial of the license. If the license is denied, the applicant may request an appeal hearing within 30 calendar days of the notification of denial.
What happens at an informal meeting?
An informal meeting is an opportunity for the provisional licensee to make verbal statements regarding the matter to DCC. During an informal meeting the provisional licensee, or their authorized representative, may provide DCC with any information they have related to the observed violations or outstanding information. Provisional licensees may submit information for consideration without an informal meeting. Following the timeframe provided in the Notice, DCC will send a written determination.
How can a provisional licensee avoid receiving a Notice of Provisional License Review?
Provisional licensees should:
- Respond to DCC notifications by submitting the required information or documents within the timeframes provided,
- Pay any outstanding fees in full, and
- Resolve compliance matters within the timeframes provided.
Are there any exceptions to the January 1, 2025, deadline?
Yes, locally verified equity retail licenses with valid provisional licenses may be eligible for provisional license renewal until the annual license is issued or denied, or until five years from the date the provisional license was issued, whichever is earlier. Microbusiness licenses with retail activities are not eligible for provisional license renewal after January 1, 2025.
For more information about renewing locally verified equity retail provisional licenses, please review Business and Professions Code (BPC) sections 26240 and 26050.5(c).
For further assistance:
- For inquiries regarding the transition of your provisional license or general questions email [email protected].
- For questions about lake or streambed alteration agreements, please contact the California Department of Fish and Wildlife at [email protected].
- For questions about cannabis cultivation General Order, please contact the State Water Resources Control Board at [email protected].
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