{"id":286775,"date":"2019-10-17T09:55:17","date_gmt":"2019-10-17T14:55:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/how-to-open-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-california.html"},"modified":"2023-09-29T20:16:37","modified_gmt":"2023-09-30T01:16:37","slug":"how-to-open-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-california","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/how-to-open-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-california.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Open a Marijuana Dispensary in California"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Open a Marijuana Dispensary in California<\/h1>\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The Bureau of Cannabis Control, which recently changed its name to the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC)<\/a>, regulates California’s commercial cannabis licenses for medical marijuana and adult use marijuana. To open a marijuana dispensary, you need to apply for a cannabis business license through the DCC’s website. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

In 2016, California legalized cannabis for recreational sale and use. This legalization of recreational marijuana generated incredible excitement. The state of California has been and will continue to be the largest marijuana market in the world. As a result, entrepreneurs are lining up to join California’s cannabis industry.<\/p>\r\n

California’s state license application process can be overwhelming. In addition, the state’s cannabis regulations are vast. As a result, it is important to understand the state’s cannabis laws and dispensary license requirements. This article is a great place to start.<\/p>\r\n

How do I take advantage of California’s cannabis market and open a marijuana dispensary?<\/h2>\r\n

State and local levels approve cannabis dispensary licenses. Businesses must also comply with the California Environmental Quality Act and local zoning laws.<\/p>\r\n

You’ll also want to register your cannabis business with the California Secretary of State’s office<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Guide to Understanding California’s Commercial Marijuana Laws<\/h2>\r\n

California’s licensing process is complex. Below is a summary of the process.<\/p>\r\n

What are the relevant statutes?<\/h3>\r\n

State Regulations<\/h4>\r\n