Resource Library
State Laws for Cannabis Manufacturing:
Basic Information:
License Application Guides:
License Application Forms:
āPackaging and Labeling Resources:
Tracking Cannabis Through the Supply Chain:
All licensees operating in the commercial cannabis market must participate in tracking cannabis as it moves through the supply chain - from seed to sale. California's Track-and-Trace system launched in January 2018, and businesses receive credentials and access as they are issued annual or provisional licenses.
Cannabis manufacturers are required to track the movement of cannabis as it is transferred between licensees and, for vertically-integrated businesses, between license types. Until receiving Track-and-Trace credentials, this movement can be tracked using sales receipts, like the sample listed below.
For guidance materials and answers to commonly asked questions about Track-and-Trace, visit www.metrc.com/california.
Sample Sales Receipt (PDF) ā for documenting transfers of cannabis and cannabis products before becoming credentialed and gaining access to Track-and-Trace.
Other State Cannabis Licenses:
For more information about licensing for cannabis retailers, distributors, testing laboratories or microbusinesses, visit the Bureau of Cannabis Control's website.
For more information about licensing for cannabis cultivators, visit CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing's website.
Tax Guide for Cannabis Businesses:
All commercial cannabis manufacturers are required to register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) for a seller's permit, or receive a letter from CDTFA confirming that they do not need one. CDTFA has developed a tax guide for cannabis businesses with information about cannabis taxes, how to register for a seller's permit, and videos explaining tax payment.
State Business Registration:
The California Secretary of State's Cannabizfile website provides information about business registration, registrations of trademarks or service marks, and instructions for changing business structure.
*If you are having difficulty accessing any of these documents on this page, please contact CDPH at mcsb@cdph.ca.gov to request this information in an alternate format.
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