Overview:
In California, as the minimally regulated activity involved in the cannabis economy makes the transition to being much more regulated, there will be a steep learning curve for those choosing to make a living in this quickly evolving economic enterprise system. This page provides links to resources and information to help stakeholders begin to understand this process. In general, cannabis regulatory requirements in California originate from three sources: State laws, Local County Ordinances, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Workshops:
The Environmental Protection Information Center (EPIC) and Mad River Alliance have partnered with Humboldt Green, California Growers Association and the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District in hosting a series Cannabis Farmers Compliance Workshops to aid growers and others in navigating the process for "Growing Green and Growing Legal." Additionally, EPIC, in conjunction with Mad River Alliance, the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, Department of Fish & Wildlife and Humboldt County, created a user-friendly 2016 Compliance Handbook which will be available at these workshops and can also be obtained on-line. See the links below.
Click here for a link to EPIC and information about the workshops.
Click here for a link for viewing or downloading the Handbook.
County Ordinance:
According to the Humboldt County Commercial Medical Marijuana Permitting webpage: "The Commercial Medical Marijuana Land Use Ordinance (CMMLUO) recently adopted by the Board of Supervisors became effective Friday, February 26, 2016. This is the date the Planning and Building Department will begin accepting applications for projects in the Inland Zone. Applications for projects located in the Coastal Zone are not accepted at this time. The ordinance has not yet been certified by the California Coastal Commission."
The Planning Department's Application Form, Application Checklist for Cultivation, Commercial Cannabis Activity Registration Form and other relevant forms and materials are available at the County website at:
http://ca-humboldtcounty.civicplus.com/2159/Commercial-Medical-Marijuana-Permitting
Note, the Commercial Cannabis Activity Registration form deadline is July 31, 2016. Humboldt County has created a Commercial Cannabis Questions Hotline at: 707-268-3795.
Other relevant County Information can be found at:
http://ca-humboldtcounty.civicplus.com/2124/Medical-Marijuana-Land-Use-Ordinance
State Water Quality Control Board:
Click here for a link to the North Coast Regional Water Quality control Board webpage with information, forms and workshop listings.
California State Legislation:
In 2015, the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed into law, three bills (Assembly Bills 243 and 266, and Senate Bill 643) that create a licensing and regulatory framework for medical marijuana. It is anticipated that the regulations will be developed by January 1, 2018.
Click here to link to the California Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation FAQ’s webpage. This page has links to the three regulatory bills that have been signed into law.
