California has a dual cannabis licensing system. Our cannabis laws respect local police powers and contain explicit local taxing authority, giving cities and counties the ability to develop their own cannabis licensing programs, or allowing them to ban commercial cannabis activity within their jurisdiction. Cannabis businesses must obtain both a state license and a local permit or authorization to operate in California.
Temporary licenses issued by the Bureau of Cannabis Control, CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing, and CDPH's Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch for cultivators, manufacturers, retailers, distributors, microbusinesses, testing laboratories, and event organizers are now in effect as of January 1, 2018 and businesses can begin operating in California's commercial cannabis market.
More information on licensing can be found by visiting the pages linked below:
The Bureau of Cannabis Control
CA Department of Public Health
CA Department of Food and Agriculture
Look up a Cannabis Licensee
Counties Regulating Cannabis