California Cannabis Licensing
& DCC Defense
& DCC Defense
We get operators licensed — and defend those licenses when the DCC takes action.
California Cannabis Microbusiness License Attorney
California Cannabis Microbusiness License Attorney
A microbusiness license lets a single operator conduct several commercial cannabis activities under one state license from the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) — a popular path for vertically integrated cannabis companies. Baghoomian Law helps operators structure, apply for, and maintain microbusiness licenses.
What Is a Cannabis Microbusiness License?
A microbusiness license authorizes a business to engage in at least three of the following commercial cannabis activities: cultivation on a limited canopy (up to 10,000 square feet), distribution, non-volatile manufacturing, and retail (storefront or delivery). Although it is a single license, the operator must meet the requirements for each activity it conducts and obtain local approval for those activities in its jurisdiction.
Microbusiness License Requirements
- Local authorization for each activity the microbusiness will conduct
- A premises that accommodates and separates the licensed activities
- Compliance with the rules for each activity (cultivation, distribution, manufacturing, retail)
- Owner and financial-interest-holder disclosures
- Standard operating procedures and track-and-trace (Metrc) enrollment
How Baghoomian Law Helps
We help you choose which activities to combine, confirm local eligibility, structure the premises and operations, and file a complete application.
What activities can a cannabis microbusiness license include?
A microbusiness must engage in at least three of: cultivation (up to 10,000 sq ft of canopy), distribution, non-volatile manufacturing, and retail. It is designed for smaller, vertically integrated operators.
Do I need local approval for each microbusiness activity?
Yes. In addition to the state license, your local jurisdiction must authorize each activity you plan to conduct, and some cities do not permit all activities.
Is a microbusiness license cheaper than separate licenses?
It can simplify licensing by combining activities under one state license, but you still must satisfy the requirements and local approvals for each activity, so it is not automatically cheaper or easier.
What is the cultivation limit for a microbusiness?
A microbusiness may cultivate up to 10,000 square feet of canopy. Larger cultivation requires a standalone cultivation license.
See our cannabis licensing and DCC enforcement defense pages, or call (818) 514-9272.