As you’ve probably noticed on our snazzy Instagram feed, several state of California cannabis public hearings and public comment periods are occurring between now and the end of August. This hearing and comment window is crucially important to determining what the non-emergency regulations and guidelines for adult-use recreational cannabis will look like.

Public hearings, Phase 2, CEQA? We get it. It’s a lot. But seriously, any plant-touching business should have a steep investment in what is said, considered, and debated at these events. So what do you, the plant-touching proprietor, need to know? Our own Dr. Juli Crockett, she of the 10 things you need to know about BCC audits, teamed up with some friends for a panel with the Future Cannabis Project. Hint, hint: WATCH IT.

While we’re the first to tell you there’s always some complexity when dealing with cannabis guidelines, the three primary regulatory key holders for California’s cannabis scene (the Bureau of Cannabis Control, the California Dept. of Food and Agriculture and the California Dept. of Public Health) have provided a much-needed and very useful collection of links via the California Cannabis portal. Hint, hint: READ IT.

Looking for a little more? Here’s some very sound advice directly from Juli:

1. “The most important thing is that folks submit comment. Really do it. Show up, speak up. All of the agencies have released instructions on how to comment. The BCC has the best, most user-friendly instructions.”
2. “Be specific. Site the actual regulation that you are giving comment on, explain the problem, and offer a solution.”
3. “Talk to the right agency. This is especially critical for micro businesses that have multiple license types. Do you want to make sure that you’re talking to the right agency about the right issue. Cultivation goes to CDFA. Manufacturing goes to CDPH. Retail, distribution, lab activities go to BCC. Don’t assume that the agencies are talking to each other, forwarding comments, or cross referencing.”
4. “Collaborate. Join with other groups, trade associations, brain trusts, friends. Have reading groups. Get together and consider problems and solutions from multiple points along the supply chain, so that the solutions you offer can be relevant, functional, and comprehensive. There are many smart people working on this right now, if you don’t have the time to do it all yourself, share your logo with a trusted group that is commenting in accordance with your interest. Comment letters signed on by many many stakeholders are very powerful.”
5. “Keep Calm and Carry On! Even though operators may see major changes being contemplated in these regulations, these are NOT YET IN EFFECT. Operators still need to remain compliant with the EMERGENCY regulations that are currently in effect, until the final regulations – post comment period – are officially adopted. This draft can and will change, so folks shouldn’t be making major business decisions based on the draft, as elements may either fall away, shift, or be added. Think about the 24-hour security guard requirement in the Readopt – it came and went within a 5 day comment period. There are items in this draft that are sure to receive a LOT of comments and suggestions, so keep calm and carry on following the emergency Reg’s during this comment period.”

Again, we get it. We understand that this is a lot to take in. Have questions you want addressed or clarified? Let us know: Facebook, Instagram, Email, Phone: 310.449.4528.