California Cannabis Licensing
& DCC Defense
& DCC Defense
We get operators licensed — and defend those licenses when the DCC takes action.
California Cannabis Distribution License Attorney
California Cannabis Distribution License Attorney
Distributors are the logistical backbone of the legal cannabis supply chain in California, moving products between licensees, arranging required laboratory testing, and storing and transporting cannabis goods. Baghoomian Law helps distributors get licensed by the DCC and stay compliant.
California Distribution License Types
California offers two distribution licenses. A full distributor license authorizes transporting cannabis between licensees, storing goods, and arranging for the required testing of cannabis batches. A transport-only distributor license is more limited, authorizing the transport of cannabis goods between licensees but not the broader distribution functions.
What a Distribution License Requires
- Local authorization from the city or county
- A licensed premises for storage, with security and video surveillance
- Compliance with transport, storage, and quality-assurance rules
- Coordination of required laboratory testing before products reach retail
- Owner and financial-interest-holder disclosures and track-and-trace (Metrc) enrollment
How Baghoomian Law Helps Distributors
We determine whether a full or transport-only license fits your model, secure local approval, prepare the DCC application, and handle renewals and compliance.
What is the difference between a full and transport-only distribution license?
A full distributor license covers transport, storage, and arranging laboratory testing of cannabis. A transport-only distributor license authorizes only the movement of cannabis goods between licensees.
Do distributors arrange cannabis testing in California?
Yes. Distributors are generally responsible for arranging the required laboratory testing of cannabis batches and for verifying that products meet regulatory requirements before they move to retail.
Do I need a physical premises for a distribution license?
Yes. A distributor operates from a licensed premises with appropriate security and storage, and must have local authorization for that location.
Do I need local approval for a distribution license?
Yes. As with every California cannabis license, you must have approval from the local jurisdiction in addition to the state DCC license.
See our cannabis licensing and DCC enforcement defense pages, or call (818) 514-9272.