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Starting a Cannabis Business in San Francisco
Look for this symbol and follow the instructions.
Common Acronyms
BCC Bureau of Cannabis Control
CDFA California Department of Food and Agriculture
CDPH California Department of Public Health
DBI [SF] Department of Building Inspection
MCD Medical Cannabis Dispensary
MCSB Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch
OOC Office of Cannabis
SFDPH San Francisco Department of Public Health
SFFD San Francisco Fire Department
Was the cannabis business in operation as of 9/26/17?
Yes. (Go to the next question.)
No. (Go to Step 4.)
Is the business a dispensary/retailer?
Yes. (Go to the next question.)
No. (Go to Step 1A.)
Is the dispensary permitted under Article 33?
Yes. (Go to Step 1B.)
No. (If the business is a delivery-only retailer, go to Step 1A. Otherwise, go to Step 4.)
Step 1A: Office of Cannabis Registration
The deadline to register on the OOC website was 11/30/17.
Certain registered businesses will be eligible for a Temporary Cannabis Business Permit.
Businesses who did not register will not be eligible for temporary permits to operate in early 2018 and must wait until ‘permanent’ permits are available.
Did you complete the required Office of Cannabis registration process by 11/30/17?
Yes. (Go to Step 2.)
No. (Go to Step 4.)
Is your business considered a “pre-existing non-conforming operator”? (See definition below.)
Yes. (You are required to cease operations if you are in a location that is not compliant with the Planning Code. Go to Step 4.)
No. I moved into a compliant location between 9/26/17 and 11/30/17 and listed the compliant location in the OOC registration. (Go to Step 2.)
No. (Go to Step 2.)
“Pre-Existing Non-Conforming Operator” means a Cannabis Business that engaged in Commercial Cannabis Activities relating to Medicinal Cannabis as of September 26, 2017, in a location where such activities were not authorized by or consistent with the Planning Code.
Step 1B: Office of Cannabis MCD ‘Registration’
Provide the OOC with information about the local permits and licenses the owner intends to seek in 2018 (and other information required by the Director of OOC).
MCDs with a valid permit from SFDPH may continue to operate without a local temporary permit.
Skip Steps 2 and 3. Go to Step 4.
Step 2: Apply for a SF Temporary Cannabis Business Permit
You must have this permit to operate a cannabis business in San Francisco in early 2018.
Required for all license types except Storefront Cannabis Retailers (MCDs).
Initial permit duration: 120 days (90 day extensions thereafter).
Submit to inspections by:
Office of Cannabis
Fire Department
Department of Building Inspection
Department of Public Health, including
Hazardous Materials and Waste Program
Pesticide Use Enforcement Program
Allow adequate time to prepare for the inspection and be sure to submit your pre-inspection form at least 24 hours before your appointment.
You must demonstrate compliance with interim health and safety standards to protect the health and safety of employees, neighbors, and customers and to prohibit access by underage individuals.
Step 3: Apply for a CA Temporary License
Apply with the correct agency, depending on the license type sought:
BCC: Bureau of Cannabis Control Online Licensing System
MCSB: Manufactured Cannabis Licensing System
CDFA: CalCannabis Online Licensing System
All three agencies are currently accepting temporary licensing applications.
Proof of authorization from the local San Francisco government is required to obtain a state temporary license.
Initial: 120 days (90-day extensions thereafter), effective no sooner than 1/1/18.
Step 4: Apply for a Local Permit (annual)
This is the earliest opportunity for new cannabis businesses and pre-existing non-conforming operators to obtain a local permit, subject to the criteria specified in local law (including requirements pertaining to the Equity Program).
Prioritization of applications:
Equity applicants
Equity incubators
Pre-existing non-conforming operators (operating in compliance with CUA as of 9/1/16)
Applicants that commit to providing benefits to the community
All other applicants
Step 5: Apply for a CA License (annual)
Apply with the correct agency, depending on the license type sought:
BCC: Bureau of Cannabis Control Online Licensing System
MCSB: Manufactured Cannabis Licensing System
CDFA: CalCannabis Online Licensing System