Greetings!

As you may know, the City of Los Angeles is currently engaged in the FY 2026-27 budget process. Alongside its fellow City departments, DCR continues to review and discuss the proposed budget both internally and with elected officials. DCR recognizes the difficult decisions involved and appreciates the broader effort to support a healthy economy while advancing thoughtful solutions that strengthen the City of Los Angeles. 

DCR has also reviewed the order signed by the Acting U.S. Attorney General regarding the rescheduling of medicinal cannabis to Schedule III. To be clear, while cannabis for medicinal use has been rescheduled, recreational adult-use cannabis products will remain Schedule I and in the same category of drugs like heroin. In terms of how this move affects Los Angeles operators, more guidance from state and federal regulators is needed. DCR will provide additional information to stakeholders as it becomes available and recommends caution in making business decisions on what is now limited information. The California Department of Cannabis Control has offered these additional details.

This issue of the DCR News Bulletin is dedicated to sharing the array of resources made available by DCR and other city departments to assist in the creation or growth of licensed cannabis businesses in the City. DCR encourages local businesses to take advantage of these services, often available for free or low cost, to take your business to the next level. Keep reading and take a look at what offerings might help you as an entrepreneur.

Speaking of resources, I am happy to share that Cannabis Billpay is now accepting payments for all DCR-issued fees. Please read more about it in this publication.

Finally, I hope that mothers and mother figures had a lovely, relaxing and joy-filled day. 

Best,

Michelle Garakian

Executive Director

Department of Cannabis Regulation

The City of Los Angeles Office of Finance (OOF) is now accepting online payments for all DCR-issued fees via the online payment system called Cannabis Billpay. While this online payment system provides a convenient option for applicants/licensees to pay their fees, please be aware of the following before you proceed:

1. Applicants / Licensees are eligible to pay invoice IDs through Cannabis Billpay for fees assessed and invoiced on or after Monday, May 4th, 2026.

2. Your invoice ID will be available for payment in Cannabis Billpay the day after the fee is invoiced by DCR.

3. Payments reversed for any reason will incur a $35 reversed payment processing fee (invoiced and collected by the Office of Finance).

4. Each unique invoice ID must be paid separately. For example: If you renew 3 activities and there are 3 separate invoice IDs, you must complete the online payment process 3 times.

For other details, including accepted fee types and when payments cannot be accepted online, visit the Cannabis Billpay site.

LADBS Restaurant and Small Business Express Program

The Department of Building and Safety’s Restaurant and Small Business Express Program helps facilitate the design-to-build approval process for all small businesses. The service takes a project from design & permitting and construction to closing out the job with the goal of acquiring the Certificate of Occupancy .

When you request assistance from the Restaurant & Small Business Express Program, a Case Manager will be assigned to each establishment to assist with the critical stages of the development. To request case manager service, click the link here, or call (213) 202-9963.

Social Equity Program

Attempting to do everything alone - it’s one of the biggest mistakes small business owners make. It’s understandable. You have the most to lose if things don't go well, and you are hesitant to pay someone to help. That’s where DCR’s Social Equity Program resources can help.

Here’s what you need to know: these services are either free or low cost. It really is a no brainer, but still people hesitate. Read more about them to get you over the hump.

One-on-One Business Coaching

Think of business coaching as a mentorship. You can book ½ hour appointments with a specific coach experienced in what you are most in need and re-book appointments as you make progress for next steps. You might get a plan of action for achieving your next goal and they can be broken down into bite size pieces. Again, this service is free to verified Social Equity Individuals.

Don’t take our word for it. Here what some of our business coaches have to say:

If you are interested in signing up for this resource, please sign and return the Coaching Indemnification form and then book your appointment. For more information, please reach out to dcr.sep@lacity.org. 

No Cost/Low Cost Legal Services

Contracts, lease agreements, business plans, trademarks and branding: these are just some of the topics that can be addressed by attorneys working under a partnership of DCR with the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Cannabis Section. Avoid getting into business disputes by talking to a lawyer before signing anything. And the service is free (up to 30 hours).

The goals of this referral resource are to:

• Promote fair and equitable participation in the licensed commercial cannabis industry
• Foster a level playing field as it relates to access to legal counsel
• Help deter predatory practices targeting the social equity community.  

This free and low cost referral service is available to Social Equity Individual Applicants who have passed the Pre-Application stage. Complete the survey below to find out if you are eligible to receive up to 40 hours of low-cost legal advice from an attorney -- the first 10 hours are free; 30 additional hours may be provided for only $35 per hour. You must also read and sign the Authorized Agreement.

Online Courses Anytime, Anywhere

Take courses for free 24/7.  The online Learning Management System (LMS) are self-paced online courses and training. There are currently over 190 hours of educational content on subjects such as: Workforce Development, Branding & Marketing, Financial Planning and Security Requirements, just to name a few. Additionally, all archived technical assistance webinars can be viewed here. 

Click here to access the LMS Portal. For login information, or you are having issues with login, please fill out the form here. LMS is available for ALL Applicants and Licensees, with certain courses exclusive to SEIAs. 

Octavia Lab - Los Angeles Public Library

If you consider yourself creative and feel like you can use those skills to promote your business, you might find some useful resources at the Octavia Lab at the historic Central Library. The do-it-yourself makerspace provides library cardholders free and unlimited access to state-of-the-art design, fabrication, preservation, and story-telling technologies. A short listing of resources include: 

• 3D printing
• a recording studio 
• digital media stations 
• laser cutter 
• photography studio
• digital illustration station 
• podcast/livestream studio 
   

LADWP - Financial Incentives for Energy Savings

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s (LADWP) Business Offerings for Sustainable Solutions (BOSS) program offers financial incentives for energy savings achieved through the installation of energy efficient equipment, including horticultural lighting. The energy savings and incentives for horticultural lighting are based on the crop type, growth stage, lighting efficiency, hours of operation, and other factors. For a flier on the program, click here.

LADWP also has another program, LADWP Zero By Design (ZBD) for new construction. There are a few differences from the BOSS program. For more information, visit www.ladwp.com/ladwpzbd.

Take a look at the Day in the Life, the new series by the Social Equity Program highlighting the highs and lows of owning a cannabis business. Peek behind the curtain, and see what it takes to run a successful business in Los Angeles.

Archived Webinars

Licensing and Pending Location Map

Complaint Portal

Licensed Retail Map

Pro bono - Low bono Legal Services

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