California Cannabis Licensing
& DCC Defense
& DCC Defense
We get operators licensed — and defend those licenses when the DCC takes action.
California Cannabis Delivery License Attorney
California Cannabis Delivery License Attorney
Delivery is one of the fastest-growing segments of California’s cannabis market, and it comes with its own licensing path and compliance rules. A cannabis delivery business operates under a non-storefront retailer license from the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), together with local approval where required. Baghoomian Law helps delivery operators get licensed, stay compliant, and defend their licenses if the state raises an issue.
What License Do You Need to Deliver Cannabis in California?
To deliver cannabis to consumers, you generally need a non-storefront retailer license (often called a Type 9 license) from the DCC. A non-storefront retailer operates from a licensed premises that is closed to the public and fulfills orders by delivery rather than over the counter. As with every California cannabis license, you must also satisfy the rules of the local jurisdiction where your premises is located.
Key Rules for Cannabis Delivery Operations
- A licensed non-storefront retail premises with no public access
- Delivery employees who are at least 21 and employed by the licensed retailer
- Delivery vehicles that meet DCC requirements, including secure storage and GPS tracking
- Compliance with the DCC’s limit on the total value of cannabis goods a vehicle may carry at one time
- Full inventory tracking in the state’s track-and-trace (Metrc) system
- Age and identification verification at the point of delivery
How Baghoomian Law Helps Delivery Operators
We prepare and file non-storefront retailer license applications, confirm local compliance, draft the standard operating procedures the DCC requires for delivery and vehicles, and handle renewals and ownership changes. If your delivery license faces a DCC investigation or citation, we defend it — learn more about our DCC enforcement defense and cannabis licensing services.
What license do I need for a cannabis delivery business in California?
You generally need a non-storefront retailer license (a Type 9 license) from the DCC, plus approval from the local jurisdiction where your licensed premises is located.
Do I need a physical location for a delivery-only cannabis business?
Yes. A non-storefront retailer must operate from a licensed premises that is closed to the public. You cannot run a licensed delivery business without a compliant physical location.
Can I deliver cannabis throughout California?
Non-storefront retailers deliver to consumers, but you must comply with the rules of the jurisdictions where you operate. Local rules on delivery vary and have been the subject of legal disputes, so it is important to understand what applies to your specific business.
Is a delivery license easier to get than a storefront dispensary?
In some jurisdictions a delivery operation faces fewer local hurdles than a storefront, but it still requires a licensed premises, local compliance, and a complete state application. Requirements vary by city and county.