Greetings!
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. Read more about it below.
I am excited to announce that DCR has taken the necessary first steps to conduct another Retail License Application Lottery (Lottery) and intends to conduct a Lottery, possibly as soon as December 2026, so new Retail Applications may be submitted in 2027. Verified Social Equity Individuals Applicants (SEIA) from previous years (2019, 2022, and 2025) will have the opportunity to register for the lottery. More details are forthcoming, so please continue to read this publication and look out for emails from DCR on this subject.
We know that this is a busy time of year with schools back in session and summer outings winding down. Please don’t hesitate to sign up for office hours appointments or reach out by phone or email, should you have any questions about DCR processes, and available resources. You can find out how to reach DCR at DCR’s Contact Us page.
Best,
Michelle Garakian
Executive Director
Department of Cannabis Regulation
DCR will host the final webinar for the 2027 Renewal Period on September 2, 2026, at noon. The webinar called Road to Renewal and Beyond: Navigating the 2027 Process specifically guides record holders on how to submit for a successful 2027 renewal. The 2027 Renewal Period begins today, September 1, 2026, and is open through November 2, 2026, with one late renewal period running from November 3, 2026 to November 30, 2026.
Please RSVP and attend the renewal webinar on DCR’s events web page. You can pre-submit questions about your 2027 renewal request which may be addressed live during the webinar.
Information on renewal fees is available on the Fees, Fines Payments page. As mentioned in the August News Bulletin, please note that DCR renewal fees have increased for this renewal cycle. As a full cost recovery department, DCR is required to align its fees with the actual cost of providing licensing and regulatory services. DCR recognizes that higher fees create additional financial challenges for many operators. DCR is utilizing grant funds to provide Social Equity Applicants a renewal fee waiver limited in scope. Social Equity businesses that hold a License with DCR may receive a fee waiver for the renewal of one activity, subject to availability; don’t wait, submit early.
For additional information on the 2027 Renewal period and beyond, DCR has created a “Road to Operating Permit & 2027 Renewal Requirements Guide” to provide tips and best practices. Also, you can visit the 2027 Renewal Period page on DCR’s website, or watch previously recorded webinars on this and future required renewal milestones.
Hardship Extension
If you are experiencing hardship preventing you from meeting the 2027 renewal requirements milestone, DCR will grant a one-time hardship extension. Please note that this extension is a one-time extension and it does not push any other future renewal milestone deadlines. Next year, you are required to meet all 2028 renewal requirements. To claim a hardship extension, please complete LIC-4025-FORM and ensure you check the appropriate box under Attestation No. 1 noting you have NOT met the 2027 renewal requirements.
Finally, below is the timeline for DCR Renewal deadlines.
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.
DCR intends to conduct a Storefront Retail License Application Lottery in the months ahead. The Lottery will be preceded by a week-long registration period for those interested in participating in it. Individuals that have been verified as Social Equity Individual Applicants (SEIA) in prior years are eligible to register for the Lottery.
DCR has conducted Social Equity Individual Applicant verification processes in 2025, 2022, and 2019. In total, about 2,000 individuals have been verified from these verification periods. Prior to conducting the Storefront Retail License Application Lottery, all registration submissions will be reviewed by DCR for eligibility, and DCR will assess the number of selectees to be chosen in the Lottery based on the remaining capacity for retail storefront licenses.
Additional information on the procedures and protocol for how the Lottery will work are forthcoming. Please look out for future DCR communications to SEIAs and updates to the DCR website.
Click here to read more about the 2022 lottery.
A few months ago, DCR’s Social Equity Program unveiled a video series called “A Day in the Life” that showcased the unique stories and faces behind social equity owned cannabis businesses. Recently, it premiered the story of GreenStop, a unique store that boasts technology and automation as its main sales method. Hear their story.
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