Department of Cannabis Control (DCC)
Last updated 05/09/2025
Contact
- Email: info@cannabis.ca.gov
- Phone: 844-612-2322
Description
The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) is the state agency responsible for licensing, regulating, and overseeing commercial cannabis businesses across California. Its mission is to create a safe, sustainable, and equitable cannabis market through innovative policies and effective implementation that facilitates a well-regulated, legal market that benefits all Californians. The DCC ensures compliance with state laws through licensing, inspections, and enforcement, and works to eliminate the illegal cannabis market by promoting consumer protection and environmental stewardship.
Services
Applying for a cannabis license
Applying for a cannabis license in California is a step-by-step process. To get started, applicants must first secure local permits, gather necessary documents, and apply for a DCC license in the appropriate licensing system. After submitting a complete application and paying the required fees, applicants should stay responsive to any DCC communication to ensure smooth processing. Once approved, licensees must post their license prominently at their business location.
Last updated 05/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are California cannabis laws?
California became the first state to allow medicinal cannabis use when voters passed the Compassionate Use Act in 1996. Today, cannabis is legal in California for both medicinal and adult (recreational) use.
The cannabis industry is strictly regulated to make sure:
- Businesses operate safely
- Products are contaminant-free and labeled to inform purchasers
- Cannabis is kept away from children
Statutes, regulations and ordinances are all types of laws that work together to set rules for businesses and consumers. It is the responsibility of the licensee to follow all local and state regulations.
Learn more about California cannabis laws(external link).
What are the types of licenses?
The DCC issues licenses based on the type of cannabis activity that your business will perform. If you will do more than one activity, you may need more than one license.
You must have a valid DCC license before performing any commercial cannabis activity, including:
- Growing cannabis (cultivation)
- Transporting cannabis (distribution)
- Making cannabis products (manufacturing)
- Testing cannabis or cannabis products (testing laboratory)
- Selling cannabis (retail)
- Holding an event where cannabis will be sold (event organizers)
Learn more about license types(external link).
How do I apply for a license?
Who should I reach out to for state-authorized Medical Marijuana Identification Card?
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) manages the state-authorized Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program (MMICP). The MMICP web-based registry allows law enforcement and the public to verify the validity of a qualified patient or primary caregiver’s MMICP as authorization to possess, grow, transport, and/or use medical marijuana within California.