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Cannabis Services in California

Find testing labs, attorneys, compliance consultants, and more for California cannabis operators. Recreational

Regulatory Overview

Legal status: Recreational

Regulatory body: Department of Cannabis Control (DCC)

Licensing: Apply for a license

Largest legal cannabis market in the US. Complex local permitting on top of state licensing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cannabis legal in California?

Yes. California legalized recreational cannabis in 2016 via Proposition 64. Adults 21+ can purchase up to one ounce of flower or 8 grams of concentrate. Medical cannabis has been legal since 1996.

How do I get a cannabis license in California?

Apply through the Department of Cannabis Control. You also need local approval, which varies dramatically by city and county. Many municipalities still ban cannabis businesses. License types include cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, retail, testing, and microbusiness.

Why is California's cannabis market so competitive?

California has over 10,000 licensed cannabis businesses plus a large illicit market. High taxes (up to 38% effective rate in some cities), expensive real estate, and complex dual state/local licensing make it the most challenging but largest market in the country.