CANNABIS LICENSING AUTHORITIES ANNOUNCE PROPOSED RE-ADOPTION OF EMERGENCY REGULATIONS

Proposed re-adoption includes elimination of market constraints caused by “A” and “M” separation

The California Department of Public Health, along with the Bureau of Cannabis Control and California Department of Food & Agriculture, today announced proposed re-adoption of the emergency regulations for cannabis businesses, extending the time those regulations are in effect for another 180-day period while the licensing authorities finalize permanent regulations

In this re-adoption, the licensing authorities propose to permanently remove the restrictions created by the adult use (“A”) and medicinal (“M”) license designations. Cannabis businesses will be permitted to complete one license application and pay one licensing fee for the ability to operate in one or both markets. Designation of product as adult-use or medicinal would primarily occur at the time of retail sale, except for higher THC products permitted only for qualified medicinal consumers. CDPH is also proposing minor changes to regulatory provisions to provide greater clarity to licensees.

The proposed re-adoption text, summary of changes and finding of emergency can be viewed at the links below:

The state cannabis licensing authorities developed emergency regulations to implement the mandates of the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA). CDPH’s regulations outlined the statewide standards and licensing requirements for commercial cannabis manufacturers and became effective on December 7, 2017.

Emergency regulations are effective for 180 days and must be readopted to stay in effect. The proposed re-adoption of these emergency regulations would extend the effective period for an additional 180 days while the licensing authorities finalize permanent regulations. The public comment period begins when the emergency regulations are filed with the Office of Administrative Law and is anticipated to take place from May 25 until May 29, 2018.

For additional information about the proposed re-adoption of the emergency regulations, requirements for cannabis manufacturers or to subscribe to email alerts, visit the website for CDPH’s Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch: www.cdph.ca.gov/mcsb .
About the Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch
The California Department of Public Health’s Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch (MCSB) is one of three state cannabis authorities charged with licensing and regulating commercial cannabis activity in California. MCSB regulates all commercial cannabis manufacturing in the state and strives to protect public health by ensuring commercial cannabis manufacturers operate safe, sanitary workplaces and produce products that are free of contaminants, meet product guidelines and are properly packaged and labeled. 

For more information on CDPH’s Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch, visit www.cdph.ca.gov/mcsb . For questions, contact us: mcsb@cdph.ca.gov or (855) 421-7887.

For information on the state cannabis offices, visit the California Cannabis Portal , www.cannabis.ca.gov.