SEPTEMBER 2026
The Labor Behind Cannabis
Labor Day, observed on the first Monday of September, recognizes the contributions and achievements of American workers and the role that labor has played in building the nation.In California's cannabis industry, that work takes many forms, from cultivation and manufacturing to retail, compliance, security, administration, and countless other roles that keep businesses operating.
Behind every licensed cannabis business are people whose knowledge, skills, and daily efforts contribute to its success. For Social Equity entrepreneurs, building sustainable businesses also creates employment opportunities that contribute to thriving communities. The Department of Cannabis Regulation's Social Equity Program (SEP) supports eligible entrepreneurs through licensing assistance, business development resources, coaching, and other services designed to help businesses navigate the ecosystem of a regulated market.
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, its success depends not only on the businesses that operate within it, but on the people who make that work possible. Labor Day provides an opportunity to recognize the individuals behind the license and the work being carried out every day to build a stronger, more sustainable cannabis industry.
The Social Equity Team is thrilled to present our new docuseries, "Day in the Life." This series provides a behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations of successful cannabis businesses. The first episodes are available now on YouTube; check the latest out below!
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE FROM THE SOCIAL EQUITY PROGRAM IN 2026?
FREE COACHING
DCR offers over 1,500 hours of free business, professional, and workforce development coaching with subject-matter experts. Complete and submit the Coaching Indemnification Form. THEN, CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT COACHING SESSION.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
The Business, Licensing & Compliance Assistance Program’s 2026 Webinar Series has begun! For the latest one on Business Risks & Protections click below.
FREE LEGAL SERVICES
You are eligible to apply for 10 hours of free legal assistance and 30 hours of legal assistance You are eligible to apply for 10 hours of free legal assistance and 30 hours of legal assistance for $35 per hour.
Visit our Job Board!
Whether you're hiring or on the hunt for your next opportunity, our updated platform is now live and ready to connect top talent with the roles they’re made for. Fresh listings, easier navigation, and new features to help you land the perfect job, check it out now!
THE LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS) LETS YOU ACCESS POPULAR TRAINING TOPICS FOR FREE.
GET STARTED TODAY!
If you are accessing the LMS system for the first time, please log in using the email address linked to your DCR Accela Account and use “Password1”. If you are having difficulty logging into the LMS, contact us at dcr.sep@lacity.org.
Don’t Forget!
The 2027 Renewal Period is here! Beginning today September 1, 2026, and continuing through November 2, 2026, the renewal process should be a smooth one for those who have taken advantage of the many tools and resources available to help record holders navigate the process. If you missed any of the webinars, make sure to watch the recordings on the archive section of DCR’s Events page, or visit DCR’s page on this subject. One final webinar is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday September 2, 2026, at noon.
Important Update: Preparing for the 2031 Operating Permit Requirement
All commercial cannabis businesses must obtain an Operating Permit from the Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) on or before January 1, 2031. Achieving this milestone requires long-term planning and consistent progress through a series of permitting, inspection, and compliance requirements over the coming years.
Obtaining an Operating Permit is not a process that can be completed in a matter of weeks or months. It often requires coordination with multiple City departments, including the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), and may involve permit applications, plan reviews, inspections, public health approvals, and other regulatory requirements. Because each business's circumstances are unique, the timeline can vary significantly.
To help applicants and licensees successfully navigate this process, DCR has established annual renewal milestones designed to keep businesses on track toward obtaining an Operating Permit by the January 1, 2031 deadline. During each renewal cycle, licensees must demonstrate progress by submitting the required documentation through DCR's Licensing Portal.
DCR will continue providing guidance, educational materials, and outreach resources to help applicants and licensees understand these requirements and prepare for each milestone well in advance of the 2031 deadline.
DCR Renewal Milestones Timeline
2027 Renewal Period (9/1/2026-11/2/2026): By the end of this renewal period either, retain an active California licensed Engineer or Architect listed on the DCA website and include their name and license # OR provide your building permit application # from LADBS in the LIC-4025-FORM.
2028 Renewal Period (9/1/2027-10/31/2027): By the end of this renewal period, provide a building permit application # AND in-progress Clearance Summary Worksheet required by the LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS).
2029 Renewal Period (9/1/2028-10/31/2028): By the end of this renewal period, provide an active LA County Public Health Permit AND a building permit from LADBS.
2030 Renewal Period (9/1/2029-10/31/2029): By the end of this renewal period either, obtain an LADBS Certificate of Occupancy OR complete a final inspection with LADBS if they determine a Certificate of Occupancy is not required.
By January 1, 2031: Obtain DCR’s Operating Permit by passing a final inspection and submitting an LADBS Certificate of Occupancy to DCR.*
*Businesses will require an Operating Permit after 1/1/2031 to operate. No exceptions.
Annual Licensing
To date, 347 retailers have received approval for Annual Licensure from the City of Los Angeles Cannabis Regulation Commission (CRC).
Community meetings are a requirement prior to scheduling a hearing in front of the Cannabis Regulation Commission, who is ultimately responsible for the approval or denial of an Annual License.
DCR continues to prioritize the review of all annual applications based on the following criteria: (1) upcoming State license expiration dates; (2) non-retail Social Equity businesses who do not have a state provisional license; (3) Social Equity retail businesses; and, (4) all other businesses.
To find out more about the Annual Licensing process, please visit our website. DCR will be releasing a guide with next steps this month for all recent recipients of an Annual License, stay tuned.
Is Your DBA On File With DCR?
Do you have a DBA (Doing Business As)? Is it registered in Accela?
If not, you will also need to submit a Modification Request with DCR (via Accela) to add your DBA.
To complete this process, please submit form LIC-4001-MOD and include the FBN filing stamped by the LA County Registrar Recorder/Clerk. Modification requests are free of charge.
Please file this ASAP as it needs to be completed before you receive a Notice of Completed Application pertaining to the annual licensing process. If you have any questions about the DBA process, reach out to your assigned DCR licensing staff member.
Need Some Assistance? Make an Office Hours Appointment
DCR has introduced Office Hours so that stakeholders can meet one-on-one with staff from the licensing, compliance, or social equity teams. This service replaces DCR’s Public Counter Hours with expanded access to DCR staff.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR DCR UPDATES
IN THE NEWS
The New Genetics Race: Why Cannabis Seed Brands Are Becoming the Next Big Differentiator
How cannabis retailers can maximize holiday sales
FDA Wants Help Monitoring Cannabis And Hemp Posts On TikTok, Reddit And Instagram
California Lawmakers Approve Bill Restricting Cannabis Packaging That's 'Attractive To Children'
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DCR NEWS
Thank you for reading our monthly CannaDispatch newsletter, designed to provide timely and useful information about DCR-SEP news, services, programming and resources for the Los Angeles Social Equity community, SEIAs, licensees and operators.
If you have suggestions for future newsletter topics, please email us at dcr.sep@lacity.org. 221 N. Figueroa St, Suite 1245, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Call (213) 978-0738 to speak with a DCR representative.
Copyright (C) 2024
Department of Cannabis Regulation.
All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
221 N. Figueroa St., Suite 1245
Los Angeles, CA 90012
