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Originally drafted on November 14, 2025 The dichotomy between the over-regulated legal THC landscape and the laissez-faire libertarian dreamscape of hemp has long defined America’s cannabis paradox. For years, one side was buried under bureaucracy while the other sprinted through loopholes — each exposing the absurd extremes of federal indecision. Now, as Congress moves to close the so-called “hemp- hole,” that contradiction is finally …

Cathedral City is reopening to new cannabis businesses after nearly a year on pause, pairing the restart with tighter odor-control and siting standards. The City first adopted a 45-day moratorium on January 22, 2025, in response to rising odor complaints from 2024 into 2025, then extended it for 10 months and 15 days on February 26. With the ordinance approved on Wednesday, October 22, …

At the Benzinga Cannabis Conference, Jason Piazza delivered an insightful session on how crucial real estate decisions can unlock better financing opportunities for cannabis businesses. In an industry where location and infrastructure play a pivotal role in success, understanding the nuances of real estate is more important than ever. Let’s dive into what Jason had to say about how businesses can leverage prime real …

We had the chance to join the Kaya Cast Podcast and share some real-world insight into the cannabis industry through the experience of our co-founder, Meilad Rafiei. With a background as a dispensary owner since 2014, Meilad spoke about the early days of legal cannabis in California and how those challenges shaped the way we now help clients build and grow successful businesses. During …

I was in Tennessee last week, where cannabis is still fully illegal – no adult use, no medical program. But as I drove through different cities, I saw dispensary after dispensary. Not gas station head shops, either—real-looking storefronts. Built out. Designed. Branded. Properties that cost money. The kind of locations you’d expect from a licensed operator in a regulated state. Only, none of it …

Over the past year, Kentucky has made significant progress in its medical cannabis program, particularly with the approval of retail dispensary licenses. This development is crucial for stakeholders aiming to understand the state’s market dynamics and potential, especially as the state navigates early implementation phases. Read more about Kentucky Adult-Use Cannabis and the current medical market in our blog. Kentucky Retail Cannabis License Approvals …

We’re excited to spotlight a major moment for the WeCann team – our CEO, Meilad Rafiei, was invited to speak on a featured panel at the Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight: New Jersey, one of the most respected gatherings for cannabis professionals, investors, and thought leaders. Taking place on March 4, 2025, the event brought together key players in the Northeast cannabis market to exchange …

A recent article in SF Gate really hit home for me. There’s a lot that needs to be done to correct the wrongs inflicted on the cannabis industry for over a century, and California’s current legal framework isn’t cutting it. Federal foot-dragging isn’t helping, but the state’s policies are actively making things worse. SF Gate raises an important concern — if California increases its excise tax …

In the highly competitive cannabis retail space, getting found by customers in your local area is essential for success. Whether you’re operating a single dispensary or managing multiple locations, Local SEO can make a significant difference in attracting nearby customers and growing your business. Let’s explore how cannabis retailers can leverage Local SEO strategies, optimize Google Business Profiles, and rank for ‘near me’ searches …

Nestled in Northern California’s emerald landscape, Humboldt County emerged as the global epicenter of cannabis cultivation during the late 1960s. Hippie counterculture migrants discovered the region’s remote, rugged terrain offered perfect cannabis-growing conditions, with microclimates in the “Emerald Triangle” providing consistent moisture, moderate temperatures, and rich soil. The legendary “Humboldt Five” – early cultivators who risked everything – established a groundbreaking resistance against prohibition. …

The exodus of cannabis companies from California, spurred by high taxes, regulatory burdens, and competition with the illicit market, has led many multi-state operators (MSOs) to seek opportunities in emerging markets. However, this shift away from California may be shortsighted, especially for MSOs aiming for long-term dominance once federal legalization arrives. Staying rooted in California offers strategic advantages that may outweigh the current challenges, …

Applications are now open for the Type 3 Processor Branding Licenses! The New York State Adult-Use Processor Type 3 – Branding license is the newest license type available in the state and the only one currently open for application. This exciting development in New York’s cannabis industry offers unique opportunities for brands, both within and outside of New York, to establish and expand their …

The New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS), NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), and Cannabis NYC have launched the Cannabis NYC Loan Fund, offering $2 million in funding to Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) licensees. Managed by Tuatara Capital, this fund provides early-stage cannabis businesses with affordable, flexible loans of up to $100,000 for startup and operational costs. If you are looking …

Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent unveiling of a comprehensive restructuring plan for New York’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) marks a significant turning point in the state’s cannabis industry. In response to widespread criticism regarding sluggish progress and licensing hurdles, Governor Hochul is spearheading a series of bold initiatives aimed at revitalizing the legal cannabis market and fostering a climate of fairness, transparency, and opportunity. …

In this analysis, we’ll delve into the potential impact of federal rescheduling on operators, exploring the top expected pros and cons that come with this pivotal shift. The situation is still developing and much of the industry can only speculate on how, when, and what the changes will be for cannabis operators. In 2024 a historic shift in American drug policy, could be the …

Property management may seem like an expenditure you don’t need when, in fact, it pays for itself by keeping units full at current market rates while ensuring you have the best possible fit for your particular unit.  A good firm will save you time by eliminating your need to weed through applicants and making sure they are fully vetted and qualified, resulting in more tenants …

So you want to invest in the legal cannabis market, eh? Can’t say I blame you; legal cannabis is a nascent industry which, while it appears to be fully ensconced in hormone raged puberty, is poised for greatness as it nears adulthood. Tread carefully however, and heed red flags at every step. Much like a rebellious teenager, the legal cannabis industry is a bit …

In a groundbreaking move to address mental health and substance use crises, bipartisan legislation has been introduced in California to allow individuals aged 21 and older to consume psychedelic mushrooms under professional supervision. The proposal, spearheaded by Democratic Senator Scott Wiener and Republican Assemblymember Marie Waldron, aims to provide therapeutic guidelines and regulations for the responsible use of hallucinogens in mental health treatment. Background …

Read about the benefits of this SoCal Microbusiness – Delivery, Manufacturing, Distribution listing. We look at a lot of businesses that want to sell and our first priority to ascertain is: “Is this a well-situated license that can be a benefit to a buyer?”. On this particular opportunity the answer is a resounding “YES!” Here’s why: 1. For starters, it’s operational: It goes without saying, …

Ohio stands at the cusp of a monumental change as the recent vote in favor of legalizing adult-use cannabis signals a pivotal moment in the state’s history. With a substantial 56.71% majority, Ohio becomes the 24th state to end the prohibition on cannabis use, ushering in a new era of possibilities for entrepreneurs and cannabis enthusiasts alike. Come December 7, adults aged 21 and …

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent veto of a bill aimed at decriminalizing the possession and personal use of certain hallucinogens, including psychedelic mushrooms, has left many advocates and enthusiasts disheartened. This legislation, which ultimately didn’t become law, sought to permit individuals aged 21 and older to possess psilocybin, the active ingredient in psychedelic mushrooms, alongside dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and mescaline. However, many passionately argue that …

The long wait for cannabis in Covina is finally over, as the city council finally approved cannabis retail application dates during their September 19th, 2023 city council meeting after a thorough and lengthy application development process. Covina will be one of the only cities this far east in Los Angeles’s San Gabriel Valley region with retail cannabis licenses available at this time, making it …

New York’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced an historic forward for its cannabis program this morning during the monthly Cannabis Control Board Meeting when they approved a resolution to finalize adult use regulations and announced the long awaited application dates for its general adult use licensing window. The OCM plans to begin accepting applications on October 4th, 2023 and the application window will …

Read our latest breakdown of the New Jersey license types and application information. New Jersey will be granting Social Equity and Diversely-Owned Businesses early access to theapplication process. Read ahead to find out if you qualify to get a head start in applying for one of thenewly available wholesale, distribution, or delivery licenses in the state. Our experts are available to help source viable properties …

The city of San Diego is on the cusp of a groundbreaking economic revolution with its Social Equity in Economic Development (SEED) Program. Recent updates presented during a pivotal planning commission meeting on July 13th have unveiled a comprehensive set of amendments that promise to revolutionize the local cannabis industry while addressing key challenges and concerns. This comprehensive analysis delves into the critical aspects …

California’s Senate Bill 1186 Paves the Way for Medical Cannabis Expansion and the Potential for More Recreational Use Licenses. California’s cannabis industry stands on the brink of a significant transformation. Senate Bill 1186, championed by Senator Scott Wiener, is set to revolutionize the state’s approach to medicinal cannabis access, reshaping the industry landscape and potentially paving the way for further recreational use cities. With …

Update 8/8/23: Potential start date of September 15th, no license caps, and first come, first serve. The city of Laguna Woods is set to become the newest city in Orange County to open up for cannabis retail applications. The city is scheduled to hold the second reading of its cannabis ordinance on August 16th, and if successful, the ordinance will go into effect 30 …

Update 7/26/23: Bell Gardens is opening CUP filing applications for cannabis retail licenses starting July 27th. The city has NO CAP on licenses and will be awarding retail licenses on a first come first serve basis. This is not a merit based process and there will be no application scoring or requirements outside of being judged on completeness. Real estate will be required at the …

The cannabis industry has seen remarkable growth and profit potential in recent years, attracting a diverse array of entrepreneurs eager to capitalize on this “green rush.” However, this burgeoning industry is not without its challenges, especially for plant-touching cannabis companies facing financial distress. Bankruptcy, a common tool for distressed businesses, is not a viable option for cannabis companies working with high-THC cannabis or marijuana …

In recent years, the conversation surrounding psychedelic substances has shifted dramatically. What was once stigmatized and misunderstood is now being reevaluated for its potential therapeutic and transformative benefits. The push for decriminalization and legalization of psychedelics has gained significant traction, with advocates citing the need for a more enlightened approach to mental health and consciousness exploration. In this blog post, we will delve into …

Our team had the honor of attending the grand opening day for STIIIZY in Costa Mesa on May 13, 2023 and it was absolutely packed! Watch our video below to see behind the scenes of the event. Jason Piazza, Director of Real Estate, and Lani Flores, Associate Agent with WeCann join the ribbon cutting ceremony to watch this new location sourced by WeCann become …

On November 8th, 2022 Missouri voters made their voices heard and overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to legalize adult use recreational sales of cannabis.  Contact our team for immediate support with licensing applications, real estate, and compliance in Missouri. Just over a half year later, the state is moving fast to implement its adult use market by beginning to accept applications for a lottery …

Use our research to learn more about your options for the top cities in New Jersey that will be eligible for cannabis retail licensing. Read through our short notes to help decide which cities are best for you to target in the future. Our internal research team contacts jurisdictions to learn more about their cannabis activity and help our clients get out ahead of …

Cannabis Talk 101 (www.cannabistalk101.com) is the World’s #1 source for everything cannabis and your ESPN, CNN, FOX NEWS and The View of Cannabis. The main hosts are Chris Wright, aka Blue, Joe Grande Marc and Craig Wasserman who all share a passion for educating, advocating and defending members of the cannabis community to further grow the industry player’s awareness and share their knowledge for …

Live webinar originally appeared on Kaya Cast Podcast on April 18, 2023 at 11:00 AM. Jump into the details of the cannabis licensing application process with our top licensing consultant. We hope you’ll take the time to learn more about the pitfalls and difficulties in the process. Meilad Rafiei will be available for follow up questions as needed and many might even be answered in the …

We had the privilege of interviewing Mike Wilson of the Temeka Group, a top Cannabis Retail Design & Install company that helps build out dispensaries in legal markets nationwide. He explains tips, pitfalls, ideas, and the status of construction for new retail shops in their New York projects. Read responses from Mike Wilson, Founder and CEO of Temeka, in this interview and learn how …

Due to this new court order, new licenses were issued in some of the most populous areas of NY state including Brooklyn, Queens, Buffalo, Syracuse, and the Hudson Valley. NY’s Cannabis Control Board issued 108 CAURD licenses in the Central New York, Western New York, Mid-Hudson and Brooklyn regions that had been previously held up by a court injunction in a lawsuit. These licenses …

The CoStar Power Broker™ recognizes the best of the best in Commercial Real Estate. The CoStar Power Broker Award program, by the leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces, has honored the industry’s elite for 23 years. Recipients of the award were professionals and firms who closed the highest transaction volume in commercial real estate deals in their respective markets. …

On Thursday, Feb 16, 2023, Jason Piazza, Director of Real Estate at WeCann and CREC presented his insights in the Cannabis Chamber of Commerce’s virtual event. Watch 2 clips from the event to learn recommendations on determining business valuations and due diligence in business deals. Cannabis M&A Webinar Summary The cannabis industry is growing rapidly, and while there are a lot of opportunities, it …

In this interview by Kaya Push, Meilad Rafiei, discusses the challenges and pitfalls of starting cannabis operations. He talks about the importance of marketing, location, and funding in building a successful cannabis business. Meilad Rafiei also emphasizes the importance of hiring trusted consultants to navigate the complex regulatory landscape to avoid common mistakes. The interview also covers tips for selecting a suitable market, the …

Congratulations to those who have received notifications of SEIA eligibility. WeCann Help! After nine months of planning and verification processes, of the more than 1,000 individuals who requested verification and over 500 SEIAs who met the criteria to participate, the individuals have now been selected. On December 8, 2022, the Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) successfully conducted the retail application lottery, also known as …

Featured in the Winter 2023 article in Create, Jason Piazza, Director of Real Estate at WeCann was referenced in a recent article! Titled “High Times, Low Times: Real estate professionals who specialize in working with cannabis businesses say the THC industry could benefit from a little government TLC”, the article in Create, powered by REALTOR® Magazine, advances best practices in commercial real estate and …

Learn our perspectives on how the 2023 markets will evolve! One thing is clear, with so many new states onboarding cannabis regulations, the amount of legitimate opportunities are increasing nationwide and the cannabis industry is primed for growth. Our cannabis real estate agents in-house at WeCann and across the country with the CREC Network are in the trenches daily with cannabis entrepreneurs navigating a …

Socially Equitable Cannabis Program in San Diego Has Been Approved! City council voted to approve a long awaited social equity program on 10/11/2022 after discussing a final social equity assessment report.  Here are the details of the program and also more info on redistricting and how that may create more availability cannabis license applications. San Diego Social Equity Qualifications: Being convicted of a cannabis crime, …

Watch as Jason Piazza, Director of Real Estate at WeCann describes the top level reasons why these are his top listings currently. Contact us for our full list of opportunities for cannabis licensing and real estate. View the listings below the video for more details on each opportunity; and if you need help sorting through the madness of cannabis real estate and applications, WeCann …

12/12/2022 Application Update – Since no property is required to apply, we anticipate the application process to be released very soon and you will absolutely need a near perfect application to win the license. When there is no property requirement, there are not only a large amount of applicants, but since the property will not affect the scoring of an application, it is really …

We have compiled this list of all cities with November cannabis regulation ballot measures in California! The citizens will be voting this November if they want retail adult use cannabis in their city or municipality and this would create a perfect target for your next business. Let’s talk about how you can find CA cannabis business opportunities with the cannabis licensing consultants at WeCann …

San Bruno Is Now Officially Open for Applications! On 11/28/22, the City has confirmed app dates of December 1st, 2022 through January 16, 2023. Real estate is required at time of application and the application process will be merit based, with final council approval of applicants that qualify in the first round. It includes a 5% tax on retail and distribution. Get started in …

Learn more about how we supported this client to acquire cannabis licensing. View on Youtube.

Learn more about how we supported this client to expand their brand. View on Youtube.

Learn more about how we supported this client in Santa Ana, CA to make their dream a reality!

Individuals Convicted on ‘Simple’ Marijuana Possession Pardoned by President Biden’s Proclamation: What Does it Mean for Cannabis Use? Read full proclamation In an effort to decriminalize marijuana and address possession charge procedures that have been proven to disproportionately affect people of color, US President Joe Biden has announced the pardoning of thousands of Americans found guilty of marijuana possession under federal law. The action …

Access our proprietary reports that showcase exactly whether a property is eligible for cannabis licensing and also learn where is the best place for you to feasibly operate a cannabis business. These technological tools are built to support our cannabis licensing consultants, who are ready to support your growth and successfully acquire licenses nationwide. Learn more about the reports with these videos and reach …

The consumption lounge application period for Nevada quickly approached and to get a license, you must have acted fast to get your application into the lottery system. Only 30 licenses will be awarded, so if you want a highly desirable consumption lounge license. Let’s chat about other options! We are available to help and answer any questions at the bottom of this article. Applying …

Cannabis Real Estate Industry Leaders Strategically Positioned for Nationwide License Transactions. SANTA ANA, CA (August 28, 2022)– Canna Resource Corporation (CREC) and WeCannCa Inc. (WeCann) have merged operations to enhance their existing robust cannabis business, licensing, and real estate transactions platform.  The two proven industry leaders are strategically positioned to further increase client success rate in buying, selling, and identifying opportunities for emerging markets, and winning …

As we begin a new year, support for federal cannabis legalization is at an all-time high. California states are putting together application documents, regulations, and town council meetings, among other things. Join WeCann as we examine the most recent changes made in California, as well as what’s coming in 2022. Madera – 12/21/2021 City Council Meeting: City Council approved the following resolutions. Keep in …

Commercial real estate within the cannabis industry is really starting to take hold of the overall market, and WeCann is leading at the forefront. Commercial real estate’s elite recognize our agents with this latest commendation. This helps us bring increased recognition to WeCann and our client’s transactions we work hard on! WeCann Wins Power Broker Award for Q3 2021 CoStar Group, Inc., the premier provider …

The first step in growing your own cannabis at home is knowing what the laws are. By knowing the laws you can protect yourself from unnecessary problems. Here we will outline what is currently legal in California. Since laws and regulations can change, always check on current standards when you want to do something new or different. The Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA) …

Here at WeCann, we pride ourselves on having some of the best people in the business to support your search for cannabis real estate in California. Our own Lani Flores recently executed a lease on a property with incredible speed. So what does it take to work in the cannabis industry? How do brokers like Lani work out deals with those who may be …

Here is an opportunity to join the co-founder of WeCann, Meilad Rafiei for a live Q&A as they discuss the legal cannabis market and the issues challenging local and state governments with illegal cannabis sellers. March 30th 12pm PST Live on Zoom, Meilad will be taking your questions live during the event as well as answering any questions submitted to us up to the …

In a big win for the cannabis industry, New York is on the precipice of legalizing recreational marijuana. State lawmakers have reached a deal that they will finalize next week. This bill comes after neighboring New Jersey legalized recreational cannabis last month.  The new law would allow people over the age of 21 to purchase cannabis and grow cannabis in their homes. Under the …

Last Thursday, many white house staffers under the Biden administration revealed that they were asked to resign or placed on a remote work program due to their past Marijuana use. For many, the news comes as quite a surprise considering the administration previously indicated it wouldn’t bar applicants with previous cannabis use from White House roles.  This motion particularly affects young staffers and staffers …

As the recreational cannabis industry booms in legal states, other state legislatures have noticed. The 2020 election saw support for many marijuana legalization measures, and the road towards full legalization isn’t stopping any time soon. Due to voter interest, calls for social justice, and legal states’ economic success, plenty of states are looking to legalize recreational marijuana in 2021.  Currently, fifteen states have legalized …

Mexico legalizes Marijuana. With a population greater than 128 million people making up around 1.65% of the entire world population the legalization of recreational marijuana in Mexico puts it in a position of becoming the largest marijuana market in the world.   With 82 votes in favor of legalization and only 18 against it, the House passed legislation to make Recreational Marijuana legal. This new …

Like many of you, we are busy keeping up with the current legislation around the cannabis industry as counties, cities, and states release their results. So far this is the most up-to-date information we have for you.  States who have passed legal cannabis use for adults, medical use, or both:·     New Jersey – Adult Use·     Arizona – Adult Use·     Montana – Adult Use·     South Dakota – Both, Adult and Medical Use·     Mississippi – Medical …

WeCann encourages you to consider the following candidates. Election Day is just 5 days away! Yes that is correct, election day is just 5 days away! If you haven’t voted yet, and live in one of the cities below, WeCann encourages you to consider the following candidates. These candidates have exhibited a desire to have regulated cannabis in the municipality they will serve. They are all forward thinking when …

After going through a rough patch last year, vape sales are on the rise again and it looks like the vape industry is headed towards recovery. The industry suffered damages last summer during a national outbreak of e-cigarettes and vaping product associated lung injuries (EVALI).  The CDC confirmed a total of 68 deaths related to EVALI cases as of February of 2020 and recommended …

Pack your bags and sunglasses! WeCann has teamed up with our out-of-state partners to offer even more cannabis opportunities. We’ve expanded our database to include listings in Sunny Nevada and Hawaii.  In Nevada we have an opportunity for a cannabis manufacturing and cultivation facility in the Reno/Sparks area. Nevada is not issuing new licenses so this is a great expansion opportunity.  WeCann also has …

2020 has been a wild ride so far but amidst all the chaos, the legal cannabis industry in California is still growing. More California cities are getting on board with the green movement and making moves to allow cannabis businesses to set up shop in their neighborhoods.  Despite the circumstances, the year still shows great potential for the cannabis industry. After proving capable of …

The fight agains the cannabis black market continues in California. This morning, the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) announced that the Cannabis Enforcement Unit took action against an illegal gathering where commercial cannabis activity was taking place.  The raid took place in Fresno, on July 14th, in an underground “smoke session” where unlicensed cannabis vendors and growers were engaging in illegal cannabis sales. The …

The legal cannabis industry has exploded in the last few years. But many obstacles still stand in the way of it reaching its full potential such as battling against an established illicit market, unavailable economic support from federal financial institutions, and now, pushing through a global pandemic. But experts predict that the legal cannabis industry, with all its setbacks, is still expected to grow …

Venturing into the legal marijuana industry has plenty of benefits but also comes at a pretty high cost and there are many risks involved as is the case with investing in any business.  There are many ways of entering the legal cannabis industry. You can apply for a commercial cannabis license and submit yourself to the application process and start from the beginning or …

The last few months have been incredibly difficult for every industry, but the marijuana industry was particularly hit hard due to a lack of financial support in previous economic relief programs that left out the cannabis sector.  The new coronavirus relief package known as the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act or HEROES Act responds to the Covid-19 outbreak and its economic …

After allegations of unfairness and corruption emerged during the latest round of retail cannabis licensing in Los Angeles last fall, the Department of Cannabis Regulations was ordered to suspend all application processing and perform a full audit by a third party company. Everything was put on hold since then.  The results of the audit were published in late March. The audit, conducted by Sjoberg …

After being deemed an essential business in California, the cannabis industry continues to run operations through the stay-at-home order issued by Gov. Newsom last March.  This is the first time that the regulated cannabis market has experienced an economic crisis, not only in California but in all other states as well. There’s still much to see about how this will affect the marijuana industry …

The era of cannabis prohibition in California had devastating effects on individuals who were convicted of a cannabis-related offense. Years after the legalization of commercial cannabis in California, these individuals and communities still suffer from the long-term consequences. The Cannabis Equity Program aims to support those negatively impacted by the criminalization of cannabis and to create an equal legal cannabis marketplace. On April 21st, …

The commercial cannabis industry in California can be a lucrative one, but getting your foot in the door isn’t a walk in the park. As with any newly regulated industry, things change from one day to the next, but one thing is certain, marijuana real estate is hard to come by.  Finding 420 properties in California is probably one of the biggest challenges for …

During the coronavirus or COVID-19 outbreak, many businesses have been ordered to shut down temporarily in efforts to stop the spread of the virus.  Governor Newsom issued a stay-at-home order last month due to the rising number of cases in California. Cannabis businesses have been considered essential and are still allowed to operate during these critical times.  It’s important to consider that staying open …

The global pandemic caused by the rapid spread of COVID-19 has had an effect in almost every business sector. For many industries the future is unclear.  Recently, its’ been a rollercoaster of changes for the marijuana market. Cannabis businesses have seen sudden sales spikes and quick declines as Governor Newsom issued a stay-at-home order for Californians last month. From manufacturing their own hand sanitizer …

The rapid growth of the regulated cannabis industry has raised concerns for the U.S Treasury Department who recently released a report indicating that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will most likely increase audits in the marijuana industry nationwide.  For the cannabis industry, taxes have always been a complicated world. Marijuana continues to be classified as a Scheduled I controlled substance in the Controlled Substances …

California Stay-At-Home Order  The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has had an effect on basically every industry in the last month. On Thursday, March 19th, Governor Newsom issued a stay-at-home order to protect the health and well-being of the people of California, ordering all individuals to stay at their place of residency except as needed to maintain operations of critical infrastructures.  The federal government identified 16 …

Know the Cannabis Licensing Agencies in California  First things first. Businesses looking to obtain a commercial cannabis retailer license must know which licensing authority they need to submit their application with. Review this research by our marijuana business consulting company and get a better understanding of how in California there are three cannabis licensing authorities.  The Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch, a part of the …

This year marks the beginning of California’s third year in legal cannabis sales. This new, but lucrative industry has grown tremendously in the last two years, overcoming various challenges such as competing against a strong marijuana black market, constant changes in regulations, and cannabis licensing setbacks. Despite all of these hurdles, California remains on top having the largest legal cannabis market in the world. …

Cannabis industry feels the repercussions of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak that reportedly began in Wuhan, China has now made its way to over 100 countries around the world resulting in over 3,500 deaths globally as of March 8th, the majority of them in China according to reports from the World Health Organization.  Not only has this deadly virus caused a …

2019 was undoubtedly a big year for the cannabis industry and 2020 is expected to bring many changes as well. As the new year begins, we reflect on the successes and challenges of this ever-changing industry and look into what’s to come. There were a lot of wins and certainly some setbacks, but ultimately the cannabis industry is still on track to be one …

In an effort to reverse the effects of the drug war, L.A County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced the expungement of 66,000 marijuana convictions earlier this month including 62,000 felony convictions and 4,000 misdemeanor cases dating back to 1961.  The legalization of adult-use cannabis in California also meant the decriminalization of pot-related charges.  In 2018, Assembly Bill 1793 was passed, requiring the state Department …

Senate Bill 34 Senate Bill 34 was introduced in October of 2019 and goes into effect beginning March 1. The new bill, known as the Dennis Peron and Brownie Mary Act, allows cannabis retailers to provide free cannabis goods to qualified medicinal patients or their caregivers. The bill also exempts donated items from excise, sales and use, and cultivation taxes. Current administrative laws prohibit …

Cannabis Business Licenses in California  Although the Golden State was the first in the U.S to legalize medical marijuana in 1996 paving the way for the regulated cannabis industry to take off years later, it wasn’t until 2018 when the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA) and the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act joined (MCRSA) forces to create the Medicinal and Adult Use …

After cracking down on illicit marijuana retailers last December, California law enforcement continues to take action on the cannabis black market. As California cannabis business consultants we wanted to help you better understand what this means to licensing in the future. On Tuesday, January 28, the Los Angeles Police Department served two search warrants on illegal cannabis businesses “Garden of Faith” and “High Society Wellness …

What You Need To Know If You Want To Get a Cannabis Cultivation License This Year You’re thinking about entering the cannabis industry but don’t know where to start. The licensing process is cluttered with challenges and the only constant is that things are constantly changing. Hiring a cannabis consulting firm will help you navigate the complex licensing system and save you time by …

The Illicit Cannabis Market And The Vaping Crisis.  Last month, law enforcement performed the largest crackdown of the illegal cannabis market during a three-day raid that resulted in the seizure of over $8 million in cannabis products from unlicensed marijuana retailers.  This month, the Bureau of Cannabis control announced that a random sampling of the products seized were found to contain undisclosed, potentially harmful …

On December 3rd, the American Banking Association (ABA) released a statement addressing regulatory changes for the cannabis industry, specifically regarding customers who produce hemp.  In a small victory for the cannabis industry, regulators announced last December that banks are no longer required to submit Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) for hemp growers operating under an approved federal, state, or tribal plan.  In the statement released, …

California Governor Proposes Changes To Simplify Cannabis Regulations  Big changes are coming to the cannabis industry in California. Battling an illicit market, dealing with high taxes and navigating a complex licensing process have all been challenges the cannabis industry has faced since the state opened its doors to commercial cannabis sales in 2018.  Last Friday, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration announced a proposal to …

Battling Against a Cannabis Black Market The marijuana black market has been an issue for the legal cannabis industry since the legal market launched in January of last year. The illicit market takes a great amount of business away from licensed cannabis businesses striving to compete.  Although California has the biggest cannabis market in the world, the black market is even bigger and law …

Marijuana Reform Could Be Closer Than We Think. Although we’re still a ways away from the federal legalization of cannabis, last month we got one step closer. The House Judiciary Committee advanced a bill on Wednesday, November 20th that, if passed, would legalize marijuana on a federal level.  Federal legalization would remove marijuana from the list of controlled I substances in the Controlled Substances …

Latest round of marijuana business licensing causes frustration and outrage among applicants and stakeholders in Los Angeles after “allegations of corruption, incompetence, and basic unfairness” were directed at city officials at last Thursday’s Cannabis Regulations Committee meeting according to a Marijuana Business Daily article published October 25th. On October 28th, City of L.A Council President Herb Wesson Jr. sent a letter to Cat Packer, …

Looking for commercial real estate doesn’t sound like it should be too much of a challenge, right? There should be plenty of spaces and warehouses available in Southern California. Actually, not quite. If you’re interested in setting up a cannabis business in places like Los Angeles or Orange County, get ready for a lengthy fight and some healthy competition. The demand for commercial and …

The legal cannabis industry has taken off worldwide with the United States expected to be the market leader in global sales.  The industry has experienced monumental growth globally and is making its way into cultural mainstream with California being in the forefront of the cannabis movement, but it hasn’t all been smooth sailing for the Golden State.  After passing Proposition 64 in 2016, California …

We’re excited to announce the Inaugural WeCann Golf Tournament happening Monday, December 2nd! The tournament will take place at the Aliso Viejo Country Club and will benefit the MaxLove Project.  Come out for a day of golfing and fun. Join us for a $5K Mega Putt contest, a $100K Shootout, and an after party dinner and awards. Register for the tournament here or click …

The Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) are working to prevent gaps in cannabis licensure. The three licensing agencies intend to issue provisional licenses for businesses who are in the process of applying for an annual license before temporary licenses expire. Temporary cannabis business licenses were issued until December …

The annual state license application fee for the Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) is $1,000. A bond of $5,000 payable to the State of California is submitted with the application. The actual license fee which is renewed annually ranges from $4,000 to $125,000. The costs associated with obtaining a commercial cannabis license vary depending on the type of license and business location. Commercial businesses …

California recently celebrated one full year of recreational marijuana sales. Since the adult-use of marijuana became legalized in 2018, the cannabis industry has taken off in California. Over 10,000 cannabis licenses have been issued in the state, making it one of the biggest markets for cannabis, with dispensaries being the face of the industry. While the cannabis industry is exploding, getting started can be …

The cannabis industry is growing rapidly. Since the legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2018, licensing authorities have issued over 10,000 licenses in California. Amongst these, cultivator licenses, retailers, distributors, and microbusinesses. This year is expected to be even bigger for the cannabis industry with new regulations being adopted statewide by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) taking effect this month. Cannabis businesses bring new …

California’s cannabis licensing authorities announced this month that the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) approved all state regulations for cannabis businesses. Previously, there had been emergency regulations put in place by the three cannabis licensing authorities in California which consists of the Bureau of Cannabis Control, the Department of Public Health, and California Department of Food and Agriculture in order to regulate the commercial …

Running a cannabis business, just like any other business, means paying taxes. Depending on what kind of business it is, there are different tax laws to comply with. The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) requires cannabis businesses that sell cannabis or cannabis products to obtain a seller’s permit or a cannabis tax permit and to filecannabis tax returns regularly. This is …

Getting a cannabis license in California is an extensive process. It starts with knowing what type of license you need and how to apply for it. There are three cannabis licensing authorities in California. Each one is tasked with licensing different cannabis businesses in the state. A license is required for the commercial distribution of cannabis products. The type of license a legal cannabis …

Applying for a commercial cannabis cultivator license in California is an extensive process. CalCannabis is the division within the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) responsible for licensing and regulating commercial cannabis cultivation. They work together with several other agencies to regulate the commercial cultivation of cannabis in California. There are multiple steps involved with getting licensed and being compliant with state laws.  …

Over the last year, the city of Pasadena held several community meetings to vote on rules and regulations for the sale of commercial cannabis. City regulations are allowing a total of 14 potential cannabis businesses. The city is allowing a total of six retail cannabis permits, four cultivation permits, and four testing laboratory permits. The application period for licensing is open from January 1st …

The Santa Ana Cannabis Association (SACA) invites media reporters to join us for an informational tour with local elected officials, dispensary owners, and representatives from SACA as we celebrate a successful year of adult use sales in Santa Ana.The City of Santa Ana began adult use sales January 1, 2018 by giving the existing medical cannabis stores the opportunity to apply for licenses to …

At the beginning of 2018, California experienced a huge spike in cannabis real estate sales due to the high demand for commercial spaces in a newly lucrative industry. Prices were high and commercial properties few. Entrepreneurs trying to get ahead of the game were investing in cannabis real estate and green businesses were rapidly emerging all over Los Angeles neighborhoods. Prices are now going …

A 2018 Farm Bill is set to remove hemp from marijuana as a Schedule I drug in the Controlled Substances Act. Cannabis -including hemp- is currently classified as a Schedule I drug in the Controlled Substances Act and regulated and enforced by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). The 2018 Farm Bill is set to remove hemp from this classification and move regulations to the …

LA City Urgent Updates. Highlights EMMD relocation requests can be submitted to the Department of Cannabis Regulation. If it is submitted after Nov. 30 the impacted council must approve. The City Council is working on a plan to shut off power for any unlicensed cannabis businesses. “Phase 2 Priority Processing” applicants were sent non-operational local authorization letters to allow them to apply for state temporary/provisional …

Negotiating cannabis real estate leases is a full-time gig which requires much more understanding and patience than most commercial real estate landlords realize or are willing to give. While the majority of cannabis real estate deals are negotiated on industrial real estate, the negotiation of cannabis real estate is more akin to a high-end retail negotiation because those businesses will require a lengthy licensing process, detailed & specialized planning, costly build-out, and high-level entitlement work.

On Tuesday WeCann attended a workshop in Pasadena led by city officials who are in charge of cannabis applications. We learned that the city is taking huge leaps by announcing the following:

In the last few months – specifically, since California has issued its proposed Final Regulations on cannabis in July – much has been made of the end of the State issuing and extending Temporary Licenses. This decision to not issue any new Temporary Licenses nor issue any extensions after December 31, 2018, has drawn a great deal of concern from industry insiders, current business owners, and those looking to get started.

And rightfully so.

In an effort to expand our growing and strongly regarded reputation as a top-notch cannabis advisory firm, WeCann has added two cannabis conferences to its 2018 calendar: Anaheim: October 22-23 NCIA California Cannabis Convention (Booth 207) www.californiacannabisbusinessconference.com Las Vegas: November 14-16 MJBizCon www.mjbizconference.com/vegas Earlier in the year WeCann president, Meilad Rafiei, and Director of Real Estate, Jason Piazza, visited the MJBizCon New Orleans where they …

Starting a cannabis business in California can be complicated. Not only are there both local and state laws regulating the industry, but one needs to be aware of real estate limitations, background checks, the application process and the process of obtaining funding. To help you better understand everything that is involved, here are seven crucial steps that you will need to complete to successfully …

WeCann has once again shown itself to be the premier licensing firm of Southern California, having gained 100% phase-2 approvals on all six of our client’s submissions. We’re 6 for 6! The City of Santa Ana is in the midst of approving 11 additional adult-use, retail cannabis business licenses, bringing the total number to 30 issued licenses. Being the only city in Orange County …

When it comes to 420 friendly real estate, what should you be looking for? Before jumping into the cannabis real estate market, we advise a thorough understanding of laws and expert advice. Here, we provide some basics before taking your first step. 1. Ensure Property is Located in the Green Zone Firstly, you need to ensure that any property you are considering is located …

Did you know that you have to obtain a permit from the local jurisdiction (city or county) where your business will be located before applying for a license from the state of California? That’s because California is a dual licensing state. And where you apply for a local permit will have an enormous impact on the overall licensing process. Laws vary immensely between jurisdictions. …