Greetings!
As we approach the last few months of the year, DCR has wrapped up its Public Information Campaign aimed at encouraging consumers to shop at legal, local shops. The campaign included advertising, social media and youth prevention components as well as the relaunch of an upgraded retail store map. The campaign may have ended but the message remains: supporting local businesses strengthens communities and those in it.
DCR is also in the midst of cannabis business license renewals. The regular 2025 License Renewal period began on September 2, 2024, and ends on November 1, 2024. More information on the renewal process can be found here.
DCR is also pleased to announce that, through a partnership with Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), DCR payments for fees can now be made at LADBS Development Services Locations. You can read more about this payment option in this bulletin.
Finally, DCR acknowledges October as Filipino American History Month and recognizes the history, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States and to the City of Los Angeles.
Regards,
Michelle Garakian
Executive Director
Department of Cannabis Regulation
Last month, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) filed emergency regulations proposed by Governor Newsom meant to protect youth from the adverse health effects of dangerous hemp products. Specifically, these regulations:
- Set an age requirement of 21 to purchase hemp products. No person or business shall sell industrial hemp extract in its final form or in food products intended for consumption to individuals under 21 years of age.
- Prohibit selling hemp products intended for consumption that contain any detectable amounts of THC. Each package also may not contain more than five servings, and the serving and package sizes will be determined using the same federal standards as non-industrial hemp food.
After review by the State Office of Administrative Law (OAL), the emergency regulations were approved and took effect on September 23. The full draft of the regulations can be found here.
To comply with the new rules, sellers should begin removing consumable hemp products with detectable levels of THC from their shelves immediately, and also begin enforcing the new age restriction. State and local law enforcement officials have been permitted to take immediate enforcement action, including the Department of Public Health, the Department of Cannabis Control, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).
Inquiries regarding the proposed regulatory action can be sent to the CDPH Office of Regulations at (279) 217-0866. For local operators or concerns, please contact dcrcompliance@lacity.org.
Other legislative updates
Governor Newsom also signed into law AB 1775 and SB 1059 and vetoed AB 1111. AB1775 is the so-called “cannabis cafe” bill, while SB 1059 changes the way local jurisdictions can calculate cannabis business taxes. AB 1111, the vetoed bill, would have created producer event sale licenses that authorize small- and medium-size cultivators to sell their products directly to consumers at state temporary events. For more information on these, please click here.
This licensing renewal season, DCR is offering a new and easier way to make payments just in time for the 2025 License Renewal period. All licensing renewals must be completed by Friday, November 1, 2024, to avoid late fees. Please click here for more detail on the 2025 License Renewal process.
The new and easier way to make payments for cannabis business fees is available through the Department of Building and Safety’s (LADBS) Development Services Locations…and no appointment is necessary. Click here to learn more about this payment option.
Looking for support for your cannabis business? How’s your business pitch deck? Increase your odds of getting funding and foster partnerships by creating a top-notch presentation at the Social Equity Program’s training summit called “Pitch Perfect” from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, October 10, 2024. The event is free and open to all.
A featured speaker at the event is Jake Kuczeruk, a Los Angeles-based advisor and investor in the cannabis industry with years of experience helping start ups fundraise and scale. The event also includes a panel discussion with operators and investors who will share knowledge and insight about cannabis investment and the search for capital. Those interested can RSVP here. For more information, contact dcr.sep@lacity.or
Voter registration for the 2024 Election will be available on site.
Cannabis retail delivery business operators must conduct business according to the Rules and Regulations set forth by the City of Los Angeles. A compliance inspection is one essential aspect of the licensing process. Join the Department of Cannabis Regulation for the “Enforcement: Delivery Licenses” webinar hosted by the Compliance Enforcement Division on October 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM. Topics covered will include: an overview of operational requirements and inspection process, as well as common deficiencies found during inspections.
You can join the webinar here.
Don’t forget! The 2025 License Renewal season is upon us. See graphic for important dates. Click here for more information.
In California, the Medical and Adult Use Cannabis and Regulation Safety Act (MAUCRSA), prohibits cannabis advertising, marketing, products, packaging, and labeling that is attractive to children. In the City of Los Angeles, regulations also include signage restrictions and prohibition of certain on-site activities that also help preserve neighborhood livability.
Here are some of the regulations in Los Angeles.
For example, in the City of Los Angeles:
- No on-site consumption of cannabis and cannabis products, or alcohol is allowed, nor is loitering at a business premises
- On-site parties, temporary or special events are not allowed
- Off-site signs, posters, placards, devices, graphic displays, or any other form of advertising for cannabis products or activities are prohibited in any publicly visible location within 700 feet of any school, public park, public library, alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility, day care center, and permanent supportive housing.
- Only one (1) on-site signage per store frontage is allowed. However these cannot include:
- Portable signs or sandwich signs located in the public right-of-way
- Digital signs
- Spinner signs
- Monument signs
- Illuminated architectural canopy signs
- Pole signs
- Marquee signs
- Roof signs
- Temporary signs
- Moving signs
- Supergraphic signs
For more information on the State of California rules on advertising, marketing, products, packaging, and labeling, click here.
Join DCR’s monthly Q&A Virtual Lunch session at noon, October 23, 2024 with Assistant Executive Director Jason Killeen to get answers to your questions.
You can RSVP here and join here.
Olympic and Paralympic Flags at City Hall
The City of Los Angeles has the Olympic flag back at LA City Hall for the first time since 1984 and the Paralympic flag for the first time ever. Mayor Karen Bass expects for a Games to benefit the entire City of Los Angeles by supporting local, small businesses; creating local jobs and delivering lasting environmental and transportation improvements. Read the press release here.
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