SACRAMENTO, Calif. January 23, 2020 – Today, the California Bureau of Cannabis Control (Bureau) provided notice to the public of proposed emergency cannabis regulations that would make it mandatory for cannabis businesses to post their unique Quick Response Code (QR Code) certificate in storefront windows and carry it with them while transporting or delivering cannabis.
The move is designed to help consumers identify licensed cannabis retail stores, assist law
enforcement and support the legal cannabis market where products such as vape cartridges are routinely tested to protect public health and safety. The proposed regulations, which have been posted to the Bureau’s website, would require licensed retailers to print and post their unique QR Code in storefront windows or near entrances, to help educate consumers about the
importance of supporting and purchasing products from the legal cannabis market.
Smartphone users are able to use their smartphone camera to scan the displayed QR Code,
which automatically links to the Bureau’s Online License Search and confirms the cannabis
retailer’s license status. The system also displays the retailer’s address and license location to
ensure that the information is not counterfeit.
“The proposed regulations will help consumers avoid purchasing cannabis goods from
unlicensed businesses by providing a simple way to confirm licensure immediately before
entering the premises or receiving a delivery,” said Bureau Chief Lori Ajax. “These requirements
will also assist law enforcement in distinguishing between legal and illegal transportation of
cannabis goods.”
This announcement comes after the Bureau’s recent launch of a QR Code campaign, which
encourages licensees to voluntarily post a Bureau provided unique QR Code certificate that
consumers can scan when they visit a licensed cannabis retailer.
Following the required minimum five-working day notice to the public, the Bureau will file the
emergency regulations with the Office of Administrative Law (OAL). The five-calendar day
formal public comment period begins when OAL publishes the proposed regulations as being
“under review” on its website: https://oal.ca.gov/. Public comments must be submitted to both
OAL and the Bureau to be considered.
All commercial cannabis activity in California must be conducted on a premises with a valid
license issued by the appropriate state cannabis licensing authority. Manufacturing, distributing
or selling cannabis goods without a state license or at a location that is not licensed is a
violation of state law. To file a complaint regarding illegal cannabis activity, click here –
Enforcement Online Services.