As the cannabis industry attracts more entrepreneurs, those same people are looking to raise capital.
In this blog post, we will walk you through four main points on preparing yourself to speak and collaborate with investors. These topics include:
Let’s get started! Cannabis Industry Context
Let’s discuss the mindset you need to have and understanding the landscape that you will be competing in as a cannabis entrepreneur.
First, it’s imperative that you know that it will take A LOT of money to create a successful cannabis business for a few reasons. It’s a highly regulated industry, just like the liquor business or airlines. That means a lot of compliance related issues that you will need to hire experienced professionals to manage for you such as lawyers to handle licensing and CPAs to handle your taxes. Most businesses fail because they run out of cash...plain and simple. Whether that’s cash for payroll, to solve marketing problems, or to solve legal issues; without it, you have no oxygen for your business. Next, running a cannabis business, especially a dispensary is an incredibly hard daily operation. You are running a public-facing pharmacy that is helping patients and legal adults learn and obtain their cannabis. It takes a high-level of skill and tolerance to work with the public day in and day out. It could be 8, 12, maybe even 18 hours days to make sure your operation is running smoothly. Another point that we need to stress is that you can’t do it all by yourself. You need to build a team to over all of the main functions of your business; especially the ones you don’t like to do. We suggest starting to look for people to cover:
Understanding the California Cannabis Market
Now let’s review and understand the Los Angeles and California cannabis market a bit deeper.
California is the BIGGEST legal cannabis market in the world, and Los Angeles is the epicenter for it all boasting 10 million potential patients and a very accepting cannabis culture. But don’t forget, there is a huge black market right now and it’s not going anywhere. Even five years into legal cannabis, Colorado is still dealing with a proliferating black market. To build on that, the Bureau of Cannabis Control is way understaffed. And one last point is that bad actors are slippery; getting busted is built into their business plan which makes it difficult to beat them. Currently in Los Angeles, there are about 182 dispensary licenses, and about 900 in California overall and that number is increasing every month. In LA, there will be about 400 dispensaries in the next 12-24 months. So yes, a dispensary is relatively scarce now, but what about in 7 years? What about when Rite Aid and CVS start to become licensed cannabis businesses? How will that affect the valuations of cannabis businesses? We believe there will be a huge run up in the amount of cannabis businesses, but then an inevitable collapse will happen similar to the late 90’s tech bubble. This collapse will then lead to a consolidation of the licenses and businesses into the hands of smart operators who know how to survive in competitive landscapes. If you want to survive, you will have two things to lean on:
With brand, you want people to ask for your shop, product or service by name. For example:
Once Alexa, Siri and Google Home start to dominate how we interact with the world of information, having a brand that people know will be one of the most valuable assets ANY business can have. Or else you will be at the mercy of paying these platforms to own the word “dispensary” or “vape pen”...and it won’t be cheap. Raising Capital
Now that you have a bit of context around the cannabis industry and the California market, let’s dive into aspects of raising capital for your cannabis business.
Let’s start with a 30,000 foot look at the entire process. It’s a long and tiring process to put on the capital raising roadshow, so be prepared to focus solely on this until it’s complete. And don’t clap for yourself too much once you actually do raise the money. Raising capital is just one check box, one step in the entire scheme of building a business. Yes, it’s a gate, but the execution of your plans, finding product market fit, and creating value is most important. When you get the money, the clock starts ticking, so don’t let that time pass too fast. When you take money from investors at any level, it’s like a marriage, but with tougher contracts and more strict controls on your actions. You’re attached to these people for life, or until you sell your business, buy them out, or fail in your business. But one thing to really understand is that investors are betting on the jockey and not the horse. This means they are betting on you and your team to figure out the best way to execute your plans. They are investing in a relationship, because to be quite honest, opening a cannabis dispensary is not that novel of an idea. One piece of advice is to be honest with what you don’t know and ask for help from investors when you need it. They are vested in your success and you already got the check, so no need to worry about scaring them off. Further, don’t let pride hold you back from success and be open to feedback...you may actually learn a thing or two. It’s also important to know that institutional investors are guessing when placing their money. Investors don’t know how everything will play out, but they are making bets...and many of them. They know that one homerun will pay off the 47 strikeouts that go to 0. Lastly, don’t think that you’re their only option to get into the industry. Investors have many options to get exposure to the cannabis industry including investing in companies like yours, into stocks of larger companies, or even contributing to larger funds that place bets for them. Stay humble. Knowing that there are many options, you should really take the time to consider what makes you special. Ask yourself:
Types of Investments
There are many ways to raise capital for your cannabis business and those are:
Traditional Fundraising Journey
Now let’s explore the stages of a typical investment journey.
It is highly recommended that you self-fund to start out, but if you can’t then it’s time to look elsewhere. First is friends and family. These are usually smaller and easier to close, and the terms should be simple and favorable for them to get in on the next round. Then you have Series A which should hopefully be someone local who understands the context of your market. These should be relatively easy as well, especially if you have some traction. At this stage, valuation is not everything...you also need to see what smart money you are aligning yourself with, and we will get to that later. Then you have Series B which is usually some of the hardest money to raise, and it takes time and lots of patience. It’s hard because investors will continue to ask, why are you not cash flow positive yet? It doesn’t take a hero to lose money every month, but it takes a savvy operator to take cash and turn it into long-term value. Finally you have Series C and beyond. This is all about traction and product market fit. Usually you’re going out to raise this round because there is fierce competition between you and other brands, and the person with the biggest war chest (and great deployment of capital) will likely come out on top. Another potential capital raise is a Line of Credit (LOC) which is largely non-dilutive capital that is collateralized by your assets such as Accounts Receivable. You may see these also called bridge loans. Evolution of the Cap Table
Above is an illustration that shows how the capitalization table changes over the different parts of your fundraising journey.
As you can see, at the beginning or formation of your business, it starts out with you owning everything. Then as you build your team, you need to split things in some reasonable way. Now, as you start to take on capital, you need to break off equity for your outside investors if you’re not self-funding your business. And with each successive round of raising capital or hiring new key team members, you continue to get diluted down and own less and less equity than when you started. It’s important to know that you won’t always own a huge chunk of your business (or maybe you will), but you give up equity in exchange for capital that helps you make your company more valuable. While your percent ownership may go down, your total value could (and should) go up over time. Understanding the Financials of This Transaction
Before you take on capital you need to run the numbers to see if you really like the position you’re putting yourself in.
You will need to do a financial analysis and produce Pro Forma financial statements which will help you quantify how much capital you ACTUALLY need and how you will use those funds. It also helps you answer the question: Does this even make financial sense to take on capital? Some businesses raise too much money and end up giving away too big of a chunk of the business only to lose their motivation for growing the company. Once you know more about the financial nuts and bolts of the capital raise, you then need to look at your exit potential. What can you really get? In the dispensary market and cannabis as a whole industry, we are seeing multiple land everywhere from 2x to 12x, but more toward the 3x for dispensaries. But note, more and more dispensaries are opening every month which will eventually drive these multiple down. The multiples are typically based on Net Income instead of gross because of the extreme tax burdens that cannabis companies have. If you don’t have a good 280e mitigation strategy, then you will surely see a lower valuation compared to someone who has gone with an offensive tax strategy. Now once you know the total exit value, you need to factor in your percentage of that exit. Let’s look at an example. Gross Revenue = $2.5MM CoGS = $1.5MM Gross Revenue/Margin = $1MM/40% Additional Expenses and Taxes = $725,000 Net Income = $275,000 Multiple = 4x Total Business Value = $1.1MM Your ownership = 51% You get $561,000 at sale of business Smart Money vs. Dumb Money
You may have heard the term smart money or dumb money, but I want to explain it.
Smart money is someone who brings you more than just cash. You need to ask yourself, if I take money from this person, WHAT ELSE can they offer or provide to me and my business? Some examples include:
Dumb money is simply someone who can write you a check, but provide little to nothing else...other than a headache when they keep asking you when they will be getting their return back on their investment. But, dumb money can be smart money if you know exactly what to do to execute at a high level and they give you the space you need to grow your business. It’s a balance, but we suggest always going for smart money, especially in cannabis. It’s quite a clicky industry and you need to have someone be your evangelist to get you into the inner circles. Where to Find Cannabis Investors
Once you have a business plan, pro formas and pitch deck, now you need to find investors.
You can start by researching prior deals in the cannabis space and reaching out to those investors. Crunchbase is a great place to find many of the institutional deal details as well as contact information for the investors. You can also go to meetups or get involved in the local cannabis community. Another idea is going to alumni associations if you went to university or reach out to other existing networks; maybe even reaching out to your local church! There are angel networks out there and you can even look at AngelList.com to find potential cannabis investors. We’ve also seen a few investors on LeafWire. You can start to prospect and make connections on LinkedIn, and then produce content around your capital raising journey. Even reaching out to connections directly and asking if they want to see your abbreviated pitch deck is a potential way to engage investors. Lastly, one type of deal we’ve been seeing more of is Joint Ventures. This is where an existing dispensary owner, grower or manufacturer would invest into your new businesses because they see some synergies between the two operations. This is quite creative because it can also give access to their licenses, operations knowledge, real estate and cash flow. You just need to go hard and hit everyone and anyone up. You never know where that first check will come from, and it may come from the most unlikely meeting at a happy hour, a wedding or even on the train back from your day job. Aspects of Predatory Financing and Investing
One thing you see often in this stage of the industry is predatory financing or investing where more sophisticated investors take advantage of desperate startup founders.
While most of these tactics are not illegal, they can surely screw you over in the long-term so you need to keep your eyes open for these tactics.
Pitching Your Cannabis Business
Once you find potential investors, your job now is to pitch them your business and the investment opportunity.
The fundraising process is quite long, but if you prepare it could be about 4-5 months from prep work to closing the entire round. Here are some basics of how to prepare for your pitch:
Let’s also cover some miscellaneous tips around fundraising. Again, BE PREPARED. Practice your little heart out so that you could go into your pitch at a moments notice. Time kills all deals, so create urgency when meeting with investors. You don’t want to keep them on ice and think it will keep the deal fresh. They have options and want to feed off your excitement. Get solid advisors who can introduce you to investors and guide you through the process. It’s tough to do this alone, and having someone by your side will give you extra confidence in the room. Search for investors locally first. This makes it easier to meet with them in person because travel cost will be low, but also in cannabis, this is still a local endeavor...at minimum a state by state game until cannabis is rescheduled. Go for the “No” as fast as you can. Don’t let investors string you along saying maybe or that they need to take to more people. Put pressure on them and show that you’re serious about your time and your business. Rejection is part of the process. Once you get the first “no”, don’t let it crush your confidence. If you’re doing this right, you’re talking to 100-500 people and most of them will tell you no, so grow some thick skin and keep moving forward. Try not to use an agent which is someone who takes a percent of the money you raise in lieu of making introductions for you. This is different than an advisor and agents may pressure you to take deals that are not in your best interest just so that they can make a commission. Lastly, get a lawyer to review and make sense of all the terms and deal language. Your job is to get investors to the point of yes, and then you hand the deal off to the lawyers to hash out before you sign the dotted line. If you sign a deal without fully understanding every clause, you may be shooting yourself in the foot before the race actually starts. Preparing a Business Plan and Pitch Deck
When meeting with investors, you will need to create a business plan and pitch deck. We don’t want to write too much about it here, so instead you should review the video below which will walk you through EVERY detail about what to include, how to make it interesting and what to avoid.
Shorter decks are better. Don’t create an entire book about every detail!
The potential slides you will include in your pitch deck are:
Negotiating Your Deal
After you pitch an investor and they say yes, the next step is negotiating a deal for your company.
You should understand upfront that negotiating is an art, not a science. It’s ok to adjust your style to best fit who you’re negotiating with. There is no one method that is best for every situation. Let’s review a few of the items that are actually up for negotiation.
Negotiation Basics
The purpose of any negotiation should be to create a win-win for all involved parties. It’s okay to leave money on the table because your goal should be to create a long-term business relationship. It’s important that as you negotiate certain terms that you are setting precedents for future deals so fully understand every aspect of the deal!
To prepare for your negotiation, you should know where you want to end up before you start. That means knowing how much you want to raise, at what valuation and every other term in the list above. If you’re doing a deal that you’re unfamiliar with, then research other deals in the space before you start negotiating. If possible, learn something about the person with whom you’re negotiating so that you can build common ground with them. People negotiate with other people...this is not a mechanical process, so don’t be scared to create that human connection. Also, be prepared for the negotiation to be turned over to someone else once you reach a certain point such as getting your term sheet. When you reach this point of the deal, it usually gets handed over to lawyers to make hash out the details and make the deal ready for each party to sign. Negotiating Tools & Techniques
When engaging in a negotiation, you should start high, but be reasonable. This will give you room to ‘give up’ things and make the other party feel like they have won something. It’s a bit of psychology, but if done correctly, you will land at or near your intended targets.
Next, understand the opposing party’s position so you can logically argue against it. You need to ask yourself and find proper reasoning behind why you should get something they have potentially NEVER given to other deals. Don’t be so stiff in negotiating. It’s okay to use humor to break tense moments. People want to work with people that make them feel good, and humor can be that emotional bridge that ties the two parties together. Use shared language so that you seem similar to them. People really want to work with others that are similar to them in as many aspects as possible, so take the time to learn the lingo of your industry and of financials so you can create even more common ground. Don’t bluff because you will likely get your card pulled. This is simple. If you bluff and they call you out, it will destroy your deal and potentially your credibility. To build on this, negotiate with a positive attitude and in good faith. If the other party senses that you are trying to pull one over on them, it will sour negotiations and potentially kill your deal. Ask questions during the negotiation to get as much color and context to what the other party is thinking and where they stand at on any deal points you haven’t agreed on yet. Don’t negotiate for the other side. Try to shoot your shot and see what happens. Don’t just come in low on something to try and “make the deal a no-brainer” from the get go. Make sure you actually negotiate and show that you are confident in your abilities. Lastly, have patience. These deals can be emotionally intense. Think about it...you’re asking someone to believe in your idea and give you a million dollars. That’s a big sum of money and they aren’t going to just give it away freely. Get to Work
We have walked you through four key aspects of becoming investor ready, and hopefully this has helped you gain the confidence necessary to secure funding for your cannabis business.
If you need help with preparing your business plan or pro forma financial statements, then please reach out to us today to get started. 
 Two laws were passed in 2018 related to California’s cannabis industry that go into effect this month (January 2019). Assembly Bill 1793 and AB 3067 are two recent regulations that cannabis entrepreneurs in this growing market need to know about to protect their business interests.
Assembly Bill 1793 This bill adjusts existing legislation related to the identification, review, and notification of anyone who might be able to have a prior cannabis-related conviction dismissed. Under AB1793, the California Department of Justice must comply with a timeline for reviewing records and past convictions for those eligible for a dismissal or re-designation. In addition, there is a deadline of July 1, 2020 by which the DOJ will be automatically required to reduce or dismiss certain cannabis-related charges or convictions. For your cannabis business, this can have an impact on how/who you hire, the competitive landscape, and the Assembly Bill 3067 AB 3067 has a more direct impact on your day to day business operations as a cannabis business owner. When Prop 64 was passed, it included protections for individuals under 21 and prevented companies from marketing directly to those underage. However, the provision included a loophole. The regulation restricted marketing on broadcast, cable, radio, print, and digital advertising of cannabis, but not all cannabis products. AB 3067 adds to this regulation “any cannabis, cannabis product, cannabis business, or any instrument or paraphernalia that is designed for the smoking or ingestion of cannabis to the list of products and services subject to the Privacy Rights for California Minors in the Digital World (PRCMDC).” Previously using an images of minors under 18 in your marketing was not allowed. Now, images of anyone under the age of 21 are not allowed. Likewise, cannabis operators are not permitted to disclose a minor’s information to a third party for marketing purposes. This makes it harder for advertisers of cannabis and cannabis products to reach internet and app users under the age of 21. If you have questions about either of these regulations, please get in touch with our experts.  One of the elements of a good business plan is performing market research to determine your target customers. Pricing, marketing, and product selection all depend on who your key consumer groups are – and what they’re interested in purchasing in the adult-use legal cannabis market.
In some ways, consumer data is extremely limited due to the government’s classification of cannabis as a Schedule I drug. Government research that is typical of other industries is simply not performed on the cannabis market. As a result, most data we have about cannabis consumers is limited to gender, residence, and spending amounts. This can be useful in valuing your cannabis business for investors, but is less helpful for cannabis marketers hoping to build a customer persona. While the demographics vary among cities and districts, some early trends have emerged that can help inform your cannabis business offering. Here’s what you need to know about the key cannabis consumer groups in 2018. Who is the typical cannabis customer? In a survey conducted by the Cannabis Consumers Coalition, the majority of respondents were between ages 21 - 35, which is not necessarily surprising. Interestingly, the second biggest group of cannabis consumers was 45 years or older, meaning cannabis consumers are likely to be professional adults. In fact, the study discovered that more than 58% of cannabis consumers are between the ages of 21 and 55. The perception that cannabis consumers are college age, unmotivated stoners is likely misguided. Cannabis customers are more likely to be working professionals, parents, and with some level of disposable income. Aligned with the shift in age toward older cannabis consumers, the average household income of a cannabis customer has also risen. The Cannabis Consumers Coalition research indicates that cannabis consumption transcends economic class, with customers at all income levels partaking in cannabis consumption on some level. Inform your product pricing with the following data from their survey: the majority of cannabis customers have combined household incomes of $26,000 - $55,000. What do we know about the gender of cannabis consumers? While movies like Dazed and Confused have widely popularized the impression that most cannabis consumers are male, this survey suggests the gender gap is much more narrow. Companies like Whoopi & Maya have popularized cannabis as an alternative therapy for women. Women hold nearly 30% of executive leadership positions in the cannabis industry – a significantly higher percentage than the nationwide average. When designing your marketing material, take into consideration that women make the majority of household purchasing decisions, and in the cannabis market, they will be a powerful consumer group. Medical v. Adult-Use Cannabis Users Though recreational cannabis is only legal in about half of the states, it’s an important trend to track for new cannabis entrepreneurs interested in entering the market. This statistic can help you understand the deeper motivation behind your customer: are they making a purchase because it’s a medical necessity, or for recreation? How frequently can you expect someone to make a repeat purchase? Diving into your customer behavior has implications for inventory management, loyalty programs, and pricing. Data from the National Institute of Health reveals that the majority of customers partake in cannabis use for recreational reasons. Their national sample showed that among those consumers who lived in states with medical cannabis legislation, 17% used cannabis for medical reasons and 83% used it recreationally. However, those who do use cannabis medically do so with more frequency and regularity than those customers who purchase cannabis for recreational use. A good business practice would be to take medical consumers’ needs into your marketing plan, even if your primary target customer is a recreational user. California’s Key Cannabis Consumer Groups California has the potential to become the world’s largest cannabis market, making it a good bellwether for understanding developing consumer trends. Early studies by market research firm BDS Analytics indicates there are three key consumer groups across the state. Primary consumers in California are 39 years old and have used cannabis or cannabinoids in the past six months. A secondary group deemed “acceptors” by the study are 49 years old, and while they haven’t recently used cannabis, they would do so in the future. California’s “rejecter” group is an average of 56-years-old and are not likely to consider cannabis use. It’s worthwhile to note that while rejecters and acceptors aren’t recent users of cannabis, that doesn’t correlate with disapproval of legal adult-use cannabis. The study showed that tolerance and acceptance of cannabis is becoming more common, and in fact, Californians are becoming more interested in the potential health benefits of cannabis use. This further reinforces the case for continuing to include medical-use customers as part of your business plan and marketing strategy. For more insight into how to build your cannabis company, get in touch with one of the experts at GreenGrowth CPAs.  As we covered in previous posts, finding properly-zoned real estate is one of the most important - and difficult - parts of starting a cannabis business in California. The real estate market in California is competitive already, and so-called “green zone” regulations severely restrict where cannabis businesses are allowed to operate.
Nevertheless, it’s imperative that you find real estate for your business before the city or county application window opens. Competition is simply too fierce to wait until the city announces they are ready to start approving business applications. Plan ahead to find cannabis-ready property with this quick guide on California’s cannabis zoning laws. California’s Cannabis Zoning Laws California state regulation SB94 allows the 482 cities and 58 counties in California to regulate land use and zoning in relation to cannabis within their jurisdictions. What this means is that cannabis zoning laws not only vary by location, but also by the type of business activity. For example, cannabis dispensaries will abide by different cannabis zoning laws than cultivators or manufacturers. Note that cities or counties with no legal cannabis activity will not provide zoning information related to cannabis businesses. As far as growing cannabis, it can be tricky to discern regulations by city and state. Research shows that a slight majority of cities have banned outdoor cannabis gardens, while others have specific home-grow permits that may relate to smaller cannabis businesses as well. To find a specific zoning law in your area, the Orange County Register has compiled a database of cannabis zoning laws by city and county (last updated June, 2018). Common Cannabis Zoning Laws Each city and county customizes their cannabis zoning laws. However, there are a few commonalities that our experts tend to see in many zoning policies. If you’re seeking property, here are some things to keep in mind:
Green zone regulations may not be announced if a city hasn’t opened their cannabis business applications yet. Regardless, it’s important to stay informed about the city’s ordinances and available commercial property. When the applications do open, be prepared by contacting California Cannabis CPAs and asking how we can help.  Recently, our experts led a webinar outlining everything you need to know to get your Los Angeles cannabis business license. If you missed it, you can listen to the full webinar on-demand. We covered many topics, including Los Angeles’ cannabis social equity program.
Los Angeles’ cannabis social equity program is a part of the city’s commercial cannabis licensing system. The goal is to give a boost to past victims of cannabis criminalization by offering assistance and benefits to any communities that were unfairly punished by the drug war. Read on for more information on how this program works and how your cannabis business might be able to participate in the program. What is Los Angeles’ Cannabis Social Equity Program? LA’s social equity program has the stated goal of promoting “equitable ownership and employment opportunities in the cannabis industry in order to decrease disparities in life outcomes for marginalized communities and to address the disproportionate impacts of the war on drugs in those communities.” The program intends to offer assistance in the form of funding, physical space, and a separate licensing timeline to any commercial cannabis licensees who meet the program criteria. Some of the program benefits as of July 2018 include:
As you can tell from some of the notes next to the listed benefits, the city is still developing the specific benefits of the cannabis social equity program. Who qualifies for Los Angeles’ Cannabis Social Equity Program? There are three tiers qualifications under which a prospective cannabis business owner might qualify for the social equity program.
Please note that to be eligible for the benefits of the social equity program, you must own at least one third (and for Tier 1, 51%) of the business applying for the license. Even if you do not fall under one of the three tiers, you can qualify for the social equity program. To do so, you can either pay a fee to the city fund or agreeing to provide a small portion of your physical space to help the beneficiaries of the program. How can I apply for Los Angeles’ Cannabis Social Equity Program? If you recall from our webinar, Los Angeles is issuing cannabis business licenses in three phases. Phase 2 of the cannabis licensing program started on August 1 and will remain open for 30 days. During this phase, applicants must qualify under the social equity program. You can currently apply for a Phase 2 license on the Los Angeles City cannabis page. Read this primer for instructions on how to log in to your account and submit an application. Our experts are standing by to help out if you have any questions. For more information on getting your cannabis business license in Los Angeles, check out our webinar or read our three-part guide on cannabis in Los Angeles:
If you have specific questions related to your business, please get in touch with our experts today.  In case you missed it, Tuesday was primary day across California, where the first-round bid for governor became one of the most watched races in the country. As a refresher: under California law, the top two primary finishers go on to the general election, regardless of party. In a field of 27 candidates, Gavin Newsom (D) and John Cox (R) took the top two spots according to the New York Times. They will go on to the general election in November.
Where do these two candidates stand on cannabis? Based on what they’ve said publicly, we have some indication on what kind of cannabis policies Newsom and Cox might enact if elected governor of California. Please note that we are not here to debate politics or endorse either candidate, and are simply reporting their stances on cannabis – a small part of each candidate’s platform and beliefs. Here’s where each candidate stands on the growing California cannabis industry. Gavin Newsom, Democrat Newsom is the current Lieutenant Governor of California and previously served as the mayor of San Francisco for two terms. He’s been one of the leading politicians to advocate for the legalization of cannabis In 2014, Newsom was the only statewide politician to endorse California Proposition 47, a bill that decriminalized drug crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. Then, he became the face of the pro-cannabis Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy. This report’s recommendations led to Proposition 64 and the full legalization of cannabis in 2018. Where does he stand on improving the regulatory and operating environment for cannabis businesses? Newsom is on the record for wanting to tackle the cannabis black market and trying to move businesses into “the sunshine of a regulated environment.” Based on his track record and response to Sean Spicer and the administration, one could reasonably expect he would continue to evolve California’s cannabis regulations in a way that makes it possible for businesses to operate legally, responsibly, and securely. John Cox, Republican Cox has a business background, and previously ran for the United States Senate in Illinois. His net worth is in the billions due to his past work as a lawyer, specifically in tax and corporate law and in estate planning. He also worked as the chief financial officer of the snack foods company Jay Foods. As a self-purported “Reagan Republican,” Cox has said he is against cannabis legalization for adult use. In a California gubernatorial debate on May 8, he seemed to suggest that cannabis consumers should be treated in hospitals for substance abuse. In an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune, he clarified, “I’m suggesting that people who are addicted to substances, substance abuse, should get treated, they should not be incarcerated.” Cox went on to add that cannabis users may be at risk for later using harder drugs, and should be put into a treatment facility. He supports medical cannabis. Cox has been endorsed by Donald Trump, suggesting that if elected, he might follow the administration’s stance on cannabis. In summary: it seems that each candidate presents two very different paths forward for the California cannabis industry. Questions about statewide cannabis regulations? Our experts can help with all your business or tax concerns. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.  The most common question our experts get isn’t always tax related. In fact, it’s a bit more complicated. Everyone wants to know: “what do I need to do to start a cannabis company?”
What seems like a straightforward question usually has a much more complicated response. In this post, we’ll cover the three high-level steps you need to take to get started in California’s $3.7 billion cannabis industry. Our experts have helped dozens of companies launch in cities across California, and without these three factors, getting a license is difficult, if not virtually impossible. Here’s what you need to start a California cannabis company. Step 1A: Find Real Estate As we outlined in a previous post, finding properly zoned real estate is the biggest and most important element of starting your business. If you don’t have a lease or purchased property, your cannabis license application will not be approved. Finding real estate is made especially difficult by a city’s zoning restrictions. Often, a city will release their zoning ordinance just before announcing the opening of cannabis business applications. Commercial real estate is limited to green zone properties; and these properties are fiercely competitive among potential licensees. Our experts frequently see only ten properties available in compliant zones. Narrow those ten properties down to landlords willing to host cannabis businesses, and you’re looking at two or three spaces available to every prospective cannabis business in the city. Secondly, a landlord willing to lease to a cannabis business is likely going to charge a premium (because they can). Budget ahead of time for a largely inflated lease price, and keep in mind that some landlords will ask for a large deposit to account for the chance that your cannabis license application might not be approved. Step 1B: Select your Jurisdiction We’re calling these step 1A and step 1B because these two items are really concurrent processes. Selecting a jurisdiction has as much to do with the available real estate in a district or city as other factors: tax rates, the cost of doing business, and application fees. To reiterate: without real estate, you will not be able to operate as a cannabis business. However, there are other planning aspects that should play a role in getting your business off the ground. Select your jurisdiction carefully! Not every city allows for every type of cannabis business. Read the regulations (and check out blog for updates as new cities come online) to see how many cannabis licenses will be available and what the selection criteria will be. Check tax rates, crime statistics, and other city-wide regulations to see how easy your life will be once you get approved. Pro-tip: try to narrow it down to 2-3 jurisdictions before looking for real estate. This will make your life easier! Step 3: Complete and Submit the Cannabis Business Application This step sounds pretty straightforward, but our experts say submitting a strong cannabis business application is a full-time task. Give yourself three to four weeks of effort to put together the best application possible. To help you, we’ve compiled our best tips from helping dozens of businesses through the process. Read our advice on how to submit a strong cannabis permit application in California before you get started. Remember: cities update their ordinances roughly once a year. As this is the first year that cities are releasing cannabis regulations, 2018 can be considered something of a test run. If you have feedback for your respective city, be sure to submit a public comment. When these ordinances and regulations are revisited next year, these comments will be taken into account. Questions? Get in touch with our experts to learn more about starting a cannabis business in California.  As we mentioned in our tips for submitting a strong cannabis permit application, real estate is a key factor in your application’s success. In fact, without a solid lease or property acquisition on the books, your application is virtually guaranteed to be rejected. So, how can you find a space for your business and make sure you get licensed to open? Our experts weigh in.
Finding Real Estate for Your Cannabis Business Looking for property is a tricky process. It’s a balancing act between timing and finding a needle in haystack. Because cities have different application windows (which are usually short – two to three weeks), it’s imperative that you find real estate for your business before the application window is open. Competition is simply too fierce to wait until the city announces they are ready to start approving business applications. Likewise, should you fail to obtain property for your business, your application will not be approved. On the other hand, as a new business, you want to avoid spending a huge amount of money up front without knowing when a city will or will not open their cannabis permit applications. Here’s what we suggest you do first:
Next steps: Locking in Cannabis real estate Many cities are still drafting their cannabis ordinances – it can take two to ten months for a city to pass an ordinance. While you’re keeping an eye on the city council’s activity, you should budget at least six to eight months of full-time searching to locate your property, according to our experts. There are two types of city ordinances you should be paying attention to. The first is zoning. Many cities have their zoning ordinances related to cannabis already on the books. For those that don’t, these cities will release their ordinances one or two months before the cannabis permits are announced. When they release their ordinances, it’s usually a three step process. There will be a first, second (and sometimes third) reading before passing the final regulation. During the first ordinance is when the city outlines the zones, neighborhoods, rules and restrictions around cannabis leasing and property ownership. This first reading should be the spark for your property search. By the final vote and passing of these ordinances, your property should be locked down. What property is right for your cannabis business? Now that you understand the ideal timing for finding and committing to cannabis real estate, the tricky part is finding a space that meets your needs. Landlords are often wary of dealing with cannabis companies: but, buying a space is a huge risk in the unfortunate event you aren’t approved for a cannabis license. Either way, signing up for property can feel like a gamble. There are ways to reduce your insecurity when seeking commercial cannabis property. First, if you’re working with a landlord, approach your tenant agreement with the same thoroughness that you would a business permit application. Show your business plan, financial projections, and anything else that makes it clear you aren’t a fly-by-night business. Demonstrate your security measures and how you will care for the property. Your landlords want to see that you are a good tenant. Likewise, our experts suggest negotiating for a contingency clause should your cannabis application not get approved by the city. Some landlords will accept a larger up-front deposit with an agreement that if your permit isn’t approved, they keep your cash. This gets you out of paying a long-term lease, but can be costly! And remember: the longer your lease agreement, the easier it will be on your business in the long-run (should you be approved). Prevent the need for looking for real estate in the future by signing as long a lease as possible. If your plan is to purchase property, make sure you read the city ordinances carefully to be sure you can operate your business in the industrial zone. Consider looking for a space where you can use the building for another use other than cannabis. For example, if you use it as a distributor you can distribute other goods or lease it out to companies in a different industry to help with the financial burden. Be prepared for steep competition for available cannabis properties. This part of starting your business is going to be a struggle, but without property, you won’t have a business. Consult our experts for help in getting your cannabis company off the ground – we’re here to help!  As spring warms up and nicer weather starts bringing customers out of hibernation, you may be wondering how to increase your sales this season. As a cannabis retailer or manufacturer, one tactic is to offer free cannabis samples to customers to encourage them to try – and buy more of – your product. Is that legal, and what are the tax repercussions of giving away free cannabis? We discuss below.
Can I give away free samples of my cannabis product? First, check to make sure that you can offer free samples legally in your area. You can ask your local officials or ask for guidance guidance from the Bureau of Cannabis Control and the California Department of Public Health. Second, know that these details only apply to licensed manufacturers, not dispensaries. Use Tax and Free Cannabis Samples So, assuming you can legally offer free samples of cannabis, do you have to pay use tax? Remember, use tax is charged on all items that you use or consume and purchased without paying tax. The rate for use tax is the same rate as sales tax. The short answer: yes, you do have to pay use tax when you give away free samples of cannabis. Here’s a more detailed explanation. The use tax comes into play when a product is, literally, “used.” As long as cannabis is part of your inventory being held for sale in the regular course of business, it’s not being used, and therefore you do not pay tax on that supply. When you offer your cannabis product for use – i.e., for a customer to try for free – the use tax will kick in. The tax due on that sample is based on the purchase price by the manufacturer. If you want further details on how this works, read Regulation 1669, Demonstration, Display and Use of Property Held For Resale-General, subdivision (a) as well as Regulation 1670, Gifts, Marketing Aids, Premiums and Prizes. What if I’m offering free samples to employees? Ok, so maybe you’re not so tempted to give away free samples to customers. But what about to your employees? It can be helpful in making a sale to have knowledgeable employees who can personally attest to the quality of your product. So, do you need to pay use tax on cannabis being used for internal promotional purposes? Unfortunately, yes, you still need to pay use tax on free samples given to employees. This still falls under the realm of “use,” as in you are using tangible personal property for any purpose other than demonstration and display. Use tax is measured by the cost of the cannabis product purchase price. Does the use tax rate ever vary? Use tax can vary not by who you are selling cannabis to, or why you are giving it away (e.g. free sample versus normal sale), but by where you sell or give away the cannabis product. The tax rate depends on where the manufacturer gives the sample away. For example, if you give a sample to an employee, the tax applies where the sample was dispensed from (not where the recipient then used the sample). If the sample is given to an employee for personal use, the rate of tax that applies is that of where you made the gift to the employee. Summary and Conclusion While it may be tempting to give away samples of your product for free, note that you will still have to pay use tax on the transition of those samples. The use tax rate that you will pay depends on where the sample was gifted, not where the sample is consumed. Likewise, it doesn’t matter whether you’re offering a sample to an employee or customer; use tax still applies. You may still decide it’s a worthwhile marketing tool to offer a sample, but make sure you are legally allowed to do so before continuing your marketing effort. If you still have questions, check out additional resources in the CDTFA’s Tax Guide for Cannabis Businesses or consult with one of the experts at California Cannabis CPA.  The 2018 tax reform bill passed by Congress brought a lot of new changes to federal taxes for California cannabis businesses. You may have some questions about how to take advantage of these changes, which is why we’re covering all new deductions, liabilities, and tax considerations in ongoing blog updates. Today: should you convert your S-Corp to a C-Corp?
Background: types of business entities As a quick refresher, there are a number of different ways to structure your cannabis business. The way you set-up your new venture has significant tax implications. Here is a quick, high-level overview of some of the most common business structures you might consider forming:
This is a very high level overview of the options available to your business, and if you have specific tax questions for the structure of your cannabis business, we suggest consulting with one of our experts. Let’s move on to the latest tax reforms – and how they impact S-Corps and C-Corps. 2018 Tax Reform Updates Traditionally, small businesses have been encouraged to avoid filing a C-Corporations due to the double taxation issue. S-Corps have always been more appealing business structures for anyone looking for a lower tax rate: typically, individual income tax rates are much lower than business income tax rates. Therefore, especially for small businesses that don’t qualified for the reduced corporate tax rate, setting up a structure where you can claim business income as personal helps owners save money on federal taxes. Congress’s tax reforms in January, 2018 changed that. The tax reforms reduced the corporate tax rate from a maximum of 35% to 20%. Many individual tax rates can reach up to 42%, the tables have turned, and now a 20% tax rate looks more appealing to many business owners who want to avoid paying higher tax rates on their income. Should you convert to a C-Corp? Note that there is some tax relief planned for S-Corps as well. The new tax bill included a temporary provision allowing pass-through entities to deduct up to 20% of their income on their return. This is known as the “qualified business income” deduction (and also applies to partnerships and sole proprietorships). However, this is a temporary provision: and making the switch to the C-Corps would allow your business to access a lower long-term tax rate. Likewise, there are a variety of other deductions that S-Corps and C-Corps businesses can take advantage of. For example, C-Corps can claim the foreign income tax deduction and dividends-received deduction on the repatriation of foreign income where the US Corporation owns 100% of the foreign company. The latest tax reform suggests the current administration and Congress is doing its best to ease regulations on traditional corporations – something your cannabis startup may inevitably benefit from. How do you convert to a C-Corps? It’s relatively straightforward to convert an existing company to a C-Corporation in California. The process starts when you file a set of articles of incorporation with the California Secretary of State. You can read more about the process on the California Franchise Tax Board website. Of course, before making any major business decisions, we recommend consulting with an expert to understand the full implications of your tax liability and business obligations. Filing as a C-Corps may lead to tax benefits, but this business entity comes with lots of other responsibilities.  Tax season is well underway: are you ready? We’re starting a series to help cannabis companies understand how the recent tax reforms passed by Congress will impact your tax obligations. Like many small businesses, the intricacies of the new tax plan have big implications for California cannabis companies. From what you can deduct on your tax return to what you need to be responsible for moving forward, we’re here to help you catch up. If you have specific questions, please reach out to an expert at California Cannabis CPAs. What is a DRD? DRD stands for Dividends Received Deduction. This is a federal tax deduction that certain corporations – ones that receive dividends – can take. The goal of the DRD is to prevent the same income from being taxed three times. The DRD makes it so that if Company A receives a dividend payout from Company B, Company A can claim that dividend as income and accordingly receive an income tax reduction. How much can you claim on your DRD? DRD is a little more complex than it may seem at first glance. The deduction amount that a company may claim depends on its percentage of ownership in the company paying the dividend. For example, if Company A owns a 20% stake in Company B, and Company C owns a 60% stake in Company B, Companies A and C will be able to claim different amounts of DRD. The amounts are based on their ownership stake. As of 2018 and the changes in the tax law, the percentage DRD a company can claim changed: Current DRD
Effective for years beginning after 12/31/17, the 70% DRD will be reduced to 50% and the 80% DRD will change to 65%.
The Fine Print There are a few key limitations to know, including the taxable income limitation and the timeline for owning shares limitation.
What this means for Cannabis Companies It’s not uncommon for our experts to see a cannabis holding company (the company which a main investor will agree to fund) operate with a subsidiary (e.g., a real estate company, operating company, or management company). Creating a structure that allows you to maximize your DRD will decrease your overall effective tax rate and increase your cash flows to re-invest in your companies. Be aware of the latest changes in the tax code if you want your company to survive in the new highly taxed marketplace. Specific questions? Get in touch with our experts today to make sure you’re claiming your full deductions on this year’s tax return and mitigate the possibility of overpaying your taxes.  Last week, we covered how to find an investor for your cannabis business. It can be hard to find a cash infusion in this industry – many banks won’t issue loans due to federal regulations against the legal sale of cannabis. Instead, look for private equity firms, crowdfunding, or non-specific business or personal loans you can use to get your business off to a running start.
Hopefully, this will lead many cannabis companies to connect with angel investors, private equity firms, or venture capitalists. If you fall into that category, how can you be prepared for the future influx of opportunities from cannabis companies? There are a few things to seek when evaluating cannabis companies from an investor standpoint. Cannabis companies come with a lot of inherent risk: the industry is new, regulations are still evolving, and there is a lot of cash involved. Bad record-keeping, poor cash control, and outright fraud are just a few of the things many investors worry about. Ask these questions to determine if a cannabis enterprise is worthy of investment. Does the company use a cloud-based accounting system? What’s wrong with a traditional accounting system, like keeping track of your sales and purchases in an Excel spreadsheet? A few things:
Cloud-based systems are more secure, mobile-friendly, and easily auditable. Keep tabs on your investment with a cloud tool that lets you quickly review invoices and receipts. Cloud software is more secure: if a laptop is stolen, the data stays safe. A cannabis business can limit the actions an employee can take by deploying different user roles, and make sure that only certain people can enter cash flow transactions. Ask for transparency from a cannabis business to ensure that your money is being used as it should be. Does the producer or extractor use a robust system of measurements? Cannabis producers or extractors work with lots of raw material. The end product is like liquid gold: so throughout the process, it’s important to have controls in place to minimize waste. Ask to see evidence that the ratio of final product to raw material makes sense. Can the cannabis extractor/producer demonstrate tight production controls? Can they show the use of standardized measurements at multiple points throughout the process? Can they show that they have taken steps to safeguard against fraud? These are all things you can look for when at an onsite visit to a cannabis operation. Have they done their due diligence on third-party vendors? Make sure anyone you’re entering into a partnership with has cleared their third-party vendors. Cannabis businesses have lots of secondary partners – from suppliers to distributors, it’s important to make sure these vendors are fully licensed and aboveboard. Ask a cannabis company for copies of their partners’ California cannabis permits, records of vendors’ physical addresses, contact names and numbers, and any mutual business references that can be checked. See that the cannabis company keeps vendor agreements with every partner on file. Does the canna-business use a system of checks and balances? Checks and balances can be as simple as separating staff roles for different accounting functions. Fraud is easy when one person handles all the bookkeeping functions: things such as processing customer payments, managing petty cash, keeping accounting records, or paying invoices. The cannabis business should have at least two people to manage these functions, and keep their accounting and cash handling separated. It’s also recommended that they also keep separate systems for inventory and manufacturing accounting. Some companies might find it helpful to use a tool like Clover or Xero to keep an eye on their employees. Tools like Clover Payments Plus can give you as the investor better insight into things like cash in and cash out, sales, employee management and scheduling, and inventory tracking, and more. Do they have up-to-date records? Keeping up-to-date records show that that the cannabis business is the real deal. Here are just a few things to ask for:
Depending on the unique cannabis operation, get specific on what other permits, records, and local licenses you need to see. Do they have municipal permits? Do they use a system of dual signatures to control cash flow? Does the cannabis company have the right insurance? If you have any questions, we’re here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to California Cannabis CPAs! If starting a business is hard, starting a cannabis business in the state of California can be even more daunting. With new regulations, a plethora of license and permit requirements, and a brand new set of tax guidelines to adhere to, establishing a cannabis business is no easy feat. We’re here to help make that process a little clearer for any entrepreneurs hoping to make their mark on the California cannabis industry. Here are ten steps to take to get started right away.  Step 1: Select your entity type and business name This might be the most important first step for getting your business off the ground and ensuring its long-term success. The business structure and entity type you choose – whether a nonprofit, for-profit, collective, or something else – has repercussions on how you are taxed, your ability to transfer assets and ownership interests, how you will manage and run the business, as well as your persona liability. Read about some of the different business structures in our guide for understanding nonprofit and for-profit cannabusinesses. Step 2: Register with the California Secretary of State Depending on your business entity, your next step will be to register with the California Secretary of State. Find the correct forms with instructions and according fee information at bizfile.sos.ca.gov. Here’s a quick snapshot of which entities are required to register:
Step 3: Register a Fictitious Business Name (If Necessary) Your business may choose to operate under a name other than it’s legal name that you’ve registered with the California Secretary of State. If that’s the case, you should file with the county clerk/recorder where the business is located. Check the county’s website for information on requirements, forms and fees, or reach out to our experts if you have additional questions. Step 4: Get Your Local Permits and Licenses It’s not sufficient to file documents with the California Secretary of State before operating as a canna-business.California has a dual licensing system, meaning you are responsible for also obtaining a city, county, or city and county license, permit, or other authorization. Check with the municipality and county where you will be operating as a cannabis business to determine what the process is for obtaining the proper authorizations. Our local experts can also assist in this process. Step 5: Get a Seller’s Permit and Cannabis Tax Permit from the CDTFA (If Necessary) Do you sell cannabis or cannabis products? Then you need to register with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) for a seller’s permit. If you are a cannabis cultivator, processor, manufacturer, retailer, microbusiness, or distributor making sales, then you have to get a seller’s permit prior to applying for a license from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the California Department of Consumer Affairs, or the California Department of Public Health. Note that if you are a distributor, you will need to register with the CDTFA for a cannabis tax permit to report and pay cannabis taxes to the CDTFA. Check our guides for cultivators and manufacturers, distributors, and retailers for more details. Step 6: Obtain Required State License(s) Depending on your role in the cannabis industry (retailer, manufacturer, distributor, etc.), you must apply for a specific license before engaging in cannabis-related activities. Specific information for cultivators and manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can be found in our guides. Step 7: Understand your Employer Responsibilities Like any business, if you plan to hire some staff, you need to register as an employer and obtain a federal Employer Identification Number. Now is also the time to start considering your business’s payroll taxes, wage withholding requirements, matching employer withholding requirements and employee employment eligibility requirements, along with requirements for State Disability (workers’ compensation) Insurance, Unemployment Insurance, and equal employment opportunity. Step 8: Determine your Tax Obligations There’s nothing quite as jarring as being surprised by a big bill come tax time. While you set up your business, take a moment to do a little research on what your upcoming tax responsibilities will be. Try these resources, and if you have any questions, reach out to our experts.
Step 9: Anticipate Ongoing Business Registration Requirements This seems like a lot of licensing, registration, and compliance, but even after you get started, there is still more to come. Every corporation and LLC is required to file a Statement of Information with the CA Secretary of State within the first 90 days of registering and then again annually or biannually, depending on your entity type. Step 10: Register your Trademarks Last but not least, make sure to register your trademark or service mark. You may start this process after your cannabis service or product is lawfully in use, that is, your licenses have been approved and you’ve started operations within California. Visit the California Secretary of State’s Trademark and Service Mark page to learn more about this process.  Continuing our series from last week, today we’re covering the key tax policy that cannabis distributors in California are responsible for now that proposition 64 has been approved. If you’re a retailer looking for detailed tax information, check out this for California cannabis retailers.
Distributors are also responsible for collecting and submitting a variety of taxes, including cannabis cultivation, sales, excise, and use taxes. Distributors are also responsible for filing the cannabis taxes after collecting cultivation and excise tax from the retailers and cultivators, and for keeping resale certificates on file from retailers. Here’s how to file your taxes, how much to collect from your cannabis partners, and how to handle sales tax. Please consider that we are not a law firm, and this advice should not substitute any proper legal advice. Are you a cannabis distributor? You are cannabis distributor if you procure, sell and/or transport cannabis between licensed cannabis businesses such as cultivators, manufacturers or retailers. Distributors must meet also meet the following requirements:
If you are also making sales, and not just transporting product, you are responsible for registering with the CDTFA to get a separate seller’s permit. This will also require filing Sales and Use Tax Returns. Are you a microbusiness? This complicates things a little. Microbusinesses may operate as a distributor, but in that case they are only required to hold one license that authorizes the microbusiness as a distributor. A microbusiness may operate as a cultivator, distributor, manufacturer and/or retailer. Microbusinesses are responsible for all of the same requirements as distributor requirements listed above. Distributor Cannabis Tax Requirements CULTIVATION TAX As a refresher, The cultivation tax is imposed imposed on all of the harvested cannabis that enters the commercial market. Cultivators are responsible for paying the cultivation tax to the distributor. In some cases, the cultivator is responsible for paying the tax to the manufacturer if the cannabis is transferred or sold to a manufacturer first. Either way, as a distributor, you are responsible for remitting the cultivation tax to the CDTFA. Cultivation tax rates are:
To qualify for the third point, the cannabis plant must be weighed in an unprocessed state within 2 hours of harvesting. If you have immediate questions, please get in touch with our experts. When you collect the cultivation tax, you will need to provide a receipt to the cultivators and manufacturers that lists the amount of the tax collected and relieves your cannabis partners from liability. CANNABIS EXCISE TAX Excise tax is a bit complicated: put most simply, excise tax is an added 15% of the average market price to the listed retail price of the cannabis product. It’s also contingent on the type of transaction between the customer and retailer. Read more about the cannabis excise tax under our post for retailers. FILING YOUR CANNABIS TAX RETURN The process for filing your cannabis tax return is slightly different from filing your income tax return and sales and use tax return. File your return on the CDTFA.gov site according to the quarterly schedule (so, your first return is due April 30). On this return, you are responsible for reporting the both the excise and cultivation taxes due for any cannabis and cannabis products that entered the commercial market during the reporting period. For example, on your April 30 return, you will report excise and cultivation taxes for January 1 – March 30, 2018. When reporting the excise tax, you must include reports for any product that has been transferred to a retailer (whether or not the product has already been sold). Keep copies of your returns for future reference, and speak to one of our experts if you have any help. Distributor Excise Tax Requirements CANNABIS EXCISE TAX As a distributor, you are responsible for paying the cannabis excise tax to the CDTFA and collecting it from your retailers you supply. Sales tax does not apply to valid sales for resale. Unless you’re operating as a cannabis microbusiness, your sales as a cannabis distributor are likely to be all resale – meaning you won’t be responsible for paying sales tax. Enter: resale certificates. Resale certificates allow you to buy resale inventory without paying sales tax reimbursement to the seller. You must provide a timely resale certificate to your supplier, with your seller’s permit information at the time you are making your purchases. Use Form CDTFA-230 as your resale certificate. Don’t use a resale certificate for any personal property – you may be penalized. Also, when you sell products to retailers, those retailers will give you a resale certificate that you should keep for your records. If you have any questions about using the resale certificate, get in touch! We’re happy to help. Retailer Sales Tax Requirements CANNABIS SALES TAX Retailers will collect the sales tax from their customers and remit it to the CDTFA. The sales tax rate is based on where your sale takes place. To find the correct tax rate, check the database on the CDTFA site.  While we’re not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice, there are a few key tax laws that cannabis retailers in California are responsible for now that cannabis is legal. The goal of this article is to give you an overview of these taxes and make you aware of your responsibilities as a cannabis business owner in California. In subsequent posts, we’ll dig into the excise, sales, and use taxes to give you everything you need to know about these tax requirements – and make sure your business stays compliant. For now, here are the basics you need to know.
Are you a cannabis retailer? You are a retailer if you sell cannabis and/or cannabis products directly to a consumer. Microbusinesses that are licensed as retailers also must abide by the same regulations as traditional retailers. A cannabis microbusiness is type of license category (Type 12) that allows your company to engage in multiple cannabis activities at one location. For example, as a microbusiness you could cultivate up to 10,000 sq. ft. of cannabis canopy and distribute your product under one license. Because often you are selling your product to a consumer, these microbusinesses follow the same regulations as retailers (detailed here). If you’re not sure whether you’re a cannabis retailer, get in touch with California Cannabis CPAs. First Steps to Becoming a Cannabis Retailer Before we dive into the tax law basics, a quick refresh: to be a cannabis retailer in California, you must start by applying for a seller’s permit and also secure local and state cannabis permits. Click this link to register with the CDTFA for a seller's permit. For details on what you need to get a seller’s permit – including a checklist of the documents you need to submit in your application – check out this blog post. Please keep in mind that you may be responsible for getting additional permits and licenses from your local county or city government. More on that to come! Next, if you are an existing cannabis retailer (i.e., not a new company) you are also required to report all your sales and pay sales tax due to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). The amount of tax you’ll pay is based on your gross receipts, meaning the tax rate is set based on where the sale takes place and when the sale is over the counter vs. when you deliver the item yourself. Finally, keep in mind that as you grow your business, you will be taxed on items you use that are purchased without tax – so hold onto your receipts and keep track of your inventory. Retailer Tax Law Basics There are a few key taxes that retailers are responsible for as of January 1, 2018. Cultivation Tax Anyone who cultivates cannabis is responsible for paying a cultivation tax – including retailers who grow their own cannabis. Pay this tax to the distributor in a similar process to the excise tax collection. Current cultivation tax rates are $9.25 per dry-weight ounce of cannabis flowers, as well as a tax of $2.75 per dry-weight ounce of cannabis leaves. Exempt from the cultivation tax are businesses that cultivate cannabis for personal use or by a qualified patient or primary caregiver -- i.e., medical cannabis cultivators. Cannabis Excise Tax An excise tax is a fancy name for a tax paid when purchases are made on a specific good – like cannabis and cannabis related products. The excise tax is usually included in the price of the product, meaning you’ll collect this tax from your customers every time you make a sale. Charge excise tax on everything from cannabis to cannabis edibles, oils, lotions, and waxes. How much should excise tax be? Add on an extra 15% of the average market price to the listed retail price of your product. The average market price is based on the type of transaction between the seller and you. We will dig into this in detail later on. Note that you are not required to list the excise tax separately on your receipt – this makes it much easier for you to pay your sales tax, as you will see in the following section. You do need to have the phrase “The cannabis excise taxes are included in the total amount of this invoice” included on every receipt. Sales Tax There remains an exemption for sales and use tax for all medicinal cannabis products, but usually, as a retailer, you will need to pay sales tax. Sales tax applies to retail sales of “tangible personal property” in California – in plain terms, this means anything you can touch and feel, including cannabis, cannabis products, and cannabis accessories such as rolling papers, vape pens, or pipes. When calculating the amount of sales tax due, you must include the amount of your excise tax in the receipts. Since the excise tax should be included in your total sales price, this shouldn’t require any additional effort from you in totally your gross sales tax. You are liable for sales tax even if you don’t collect sales tax reimbursement. This means you must pay the excise tax even if you don’t sell the product. How much is your sales tax? That depends. The sales tax rate is based on where your sale takes place when it is over the counter, or when you deliver the product yourself. So, for example, if you sell cannabis at your store location in Los Angeles, you may have a different sales tax than if you make a delivery to a customer in San Diego. All tax rates are on the CDTFA website – and more on this tax to come. Use Tax Use tax is a tax on items you use or consume that you purchased without paying tax. An example of a use tax in everyday life might be a tax on getting a massage. The use tax rate is the same rate as your sales tax rate. Broadly, expect to pay use tax on items you purchased outside the state of California without paying California state sales or use tax. If this sounds confusing, it is. We’ll cover in greater detail what kinds of products you can expect to pay use tax on in future posts. In the meantime, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts at California Cannabis CPAs!  This past November, the California Department of Public Health's Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch (MCSB) released Emergency Regulations that outlined the licensing procedures for the manufacturing of cannabis products. Here’s a quick guide reviewing the standards and practices you need to know to be compliant in 2018. Types of Licenses As you already know, It is illegal to manufacture cannabis product without a valid license -- and this will continue to be the case after cannabis is legalized on January 1, 2018. A license is needed at each of the premises in which cannabis is manufactured. There are two types of licenses:
It is important to note that these licenses are non-transferrable. In addition, those that are employed by an agency in California or hold office are not authorized to hold a manufacturing license. License Application Requirements The application deadline is fast approaching for 2018. There are also different protocols and detailed information that must be submitted with each license application. Temporary License Application The MCSB will issue temporary licenses to allow a business to engage in commercial cannabis activity. These licenses are valid for 120 days. You may extend for an additional 90 days if the business has submitted a complete annual license application. The application can be submitted via snail mail or email. Once received, the CDPH will have 10 days to respond. The temporary licenses have no fees associated with them and the CDPH began accepting them December 8, 2017. Here is the temporary license application from the official website: Temporary License Application. Annual License An online system is due to launch this month will allow manufacturers to submit applications for the annual license. Check the CDPH website for updates on the online submission portal. This application is quite extensive and will require you to submit the following information:
This annual license application is very lengthy and will require proof of details for many of the latter items. GreenGrowth CPAs suggests reading the official bill thoroughly to ensure you submit the proper detailed information about items such as security procedures, quality control, transportation and waste disposal. Of course, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to let us know! We’re here to help. Application and License Fees A nonrefundable application processing fee of $1,000 is required for each new application. Annual license fees are based upon a sliding scale.
Priority in issuance of licenses shall be given to qualified applicants that can demonstrate that the commercial cannabis business was in operation under the Compassionate Use Act as of September 1, 2016. The department also has a right to deny applications for new or renewal licenses for any reason.
License Renewal If you would like to renew a manufacturing license, it must be submitted to the department at least 30 calendar days prior to the expiration date of the current license. A renewal application will not be accepted more than 60 calendar days prior to the expiration of the current license. If a renewal application is submitted after the expiration date, a $500 fee is charged in addition to application fees. More so, if the renewal is not submitted within 30 calendar days after the expiration date you will lose your ability to apply for license renewal. Instead, it is required you submit a new license application. If you’re planning on launching your business in 2018, you’ll also need a seller’s permit to do so. Read our guide for additional information about securing your seller’s permit before 2018. There are many policies and regulations that will continue to evolve in 2018. GreenGrowth CPAs will continue to update our site to bring you the latest information about selling, growing and manufacturing cannabis. How to convert your cannabis nonprofit into a for-profit (and put more money in your pocket)12/18/2017
 There’s more big news for cannabis businesses as we roll closer to 2018 and the start of legal cannabis in California! Existing cannabis nonprofits who wish to convert to a for-profit entity can file with the California Secretary of State to do so starting January 1.
Why would you consider converting a non-profit to a for-profit? There are two big drawbacks to being a non-profit to consider:
Therefore, if you’re interested in building a business and selling it, or making a profit that you don’t need to reinvest back into your business, a for-profit would be the way to go. Sound like a promising model? Here’s what you need to know to convert your cannabis non-profit into a for-profit. Who does this apply to? First, remember that everyone starting a cannabis business in California needs to file with the Secretary of State. Specifically, entrepreneurs seeking to start a cannabis-related business in need to register their business entity, as well as any trademark or service mark. Next, if you’re an existing nonprofit -- a mutual benefit corporation or a cooperative corporation -- and you wish to convert to a for-profit entity, you must register this change with the Secretary of State starting January 1, 2018. This applies to any businesses looking to become a Corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC), Limited Partnership (LP) or limited Liability Partnership (LLP). If you’re a new business, you are required to register with the Secretary of State before applying for any license(s) with other local and state agencies. Not sure what business structure is right for you? Luckily, there’s a guide for that. The California Secretary of State has this overview of the different forms your canna-business can take. Of course, if you have any questions about the differences between a corporation, LLC, LP, or any of the other options, GreenGrowth CPAs are here to help. Steps for Registering Your Cannabis Business The office of the Secretary of State has set up an online portal to make the process of registering your business relatively straightforward. (And if you like Cheech, there’s a great PSA to go with the new site that you should definitely watch.) Follow these simple steps to get your business registered correctly.
This is a lot information to take in, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, GreenGrowth CPAs are here to help. Get in touch with any questions and we’ll guide you through the registration process.  So, you want to start a business in California’s booming cannabis industry. Now seems like the perfect time to get in on the ground floor: the market estimates that cannabis will bring an additional $5 billion to California each year. It would be nice to get a slice of that pie, no?
Before you dive in, take some time to learn about the different ways to structure your business in a way that will give you the biggest slice of the pie -- not the leftover sliver that’s all crust (unless crust is your thing). The way you setup your company can mean the difference between growth and success and burning out after a year in business. Ask these five tax questions when setting out to structure your canna-business! 1. What kind of legal entity do you want to be? Historically, before California decided to have a fully regulated state system for medical marijuana, cannabis companies were set up as non-profits. Now, there are other options for structuring your business. Figuring out which model is right for you depends on many factors, including your role in the cannabis industry (i.e. grower, distributor, or partner); county and local regulations; and your projected growth. Here are some options available: Nonprofit (allowed pre-2018):
For profit (allowed in 2018):
2. What are your growth goals? Do you plan to have multiple locations and holdings? Depending on how your business operates, you can structure to account for different levels of liability. If you have multiple corporate entities, for example, you can limit your liability within each one. Then if one of your locations is sued or forced to shut down, your other locations can continue to operate independently. Conversely, managing multiple corporate entities can be a logistical nightmare -- especially if you intend to grow big or go home. It is much more efficient to run all your branches under one corporate entity if you’re smart about handling your risk. 3. What are your investors looking for? Investors will be interested in your company’s assets, inventory, cash receivables, and profit potential. They will want to see your business model in all its parts: trademarks, intellectual property, physical locations, and more. When you want to raise some serious capital -- going beyond your personal investment and a Kickstarter campaign -- the way you structure your company can impact an investor’s interest. For example, in a multi-entity structure with different locations and sub-companies, an investor can pick and choose which parts of your business they want to fund. Having a multi-entity structure can be very attractive if you’re shopping your canna-business around to people with low risk tolerance (and it widens your potential pool of funders). However, different ownership stakes can start to lead to conflicting interests for you as a manager. Having a seat at many tables with multiple influential voices can cause some real cross-company conflicts for you as a leader. 4. How should you structure compensation and benefits? Cannabis tax regulations have two special rules. First: cannabis companies can deduct the cost of goods sold on their tax return. Second: cannabis companies cannot deduct any sales and marketing expenses. Ouch. What this means is that many traditional expenses can’t be claimed as decreed by tax law section 280E. Know the ins and outs of payroll tax, executive compensation, and healthcare benefits you’ll be accountable for as a business owner in the California cannabis industry. The best way to do that is to consult with a tax professional in your community. 5. What do you need to do to be compliant? This is a big question -- and pretty broad at that. If you’ve made it this far, this step is the most crucial. Knowing what forms you need to fill out, what licenses you need, and how to best account for your expenses is what will make or break your business in the long run. California Cannabis CPA will be releasing more guides and checklists in the coming weeks to help you keep track of everything, but know that compliancy varies by district, county, and between the federal and state levels. If you’re going to have locations in different parts of California, do the research for each area you’re operating in. When in doubt -- pay your taxes!  The local government of Cathedral City, CA has adopted several ordinances that define a set of regulations allowing certain Medical Cannabis Businesses to operate. Anyone who would like to originate a Medical Cannabis Business within the City must obtain prior approval from the City before beginning operations. Cathedral City issuing Conditional Use Permits for Dispensaries, Cultivation and Manufacturing. Cathedral requires each Medical Cannabis Business to obtain a Medical Cannabis License and a Conditional Use Permit in addition to any other generally applicable permits, licenses or approvals that are required of businesses. A separate Medical Cannabis License and Conditional Use Permit are required for each proposed location. Prospective Medical Cannabis Businesses may submit applications for a Medical Cannabis License and a Conditional Use Permit at the same time, or may wait until after the Medical Cannabis License has issued to apply for a Conditional Use Permit. A Conditional Use Permit cannot be issued until after the Medical Cannabis License has been approved. A Medical Cannabis License must be renewed annually. Follow these steps to obtain the required permits for a Medical Cannabis Business in Cathedral City, CA. Step 1: Determine an Acceptable Location for a Medical Cannabis Business Step 2: Complete the application process for a Medical Cannabis Business License in Cathedral City, CA. Step 3: Complete and Review the application process for a Medical Cannabis Business Conditional Use Permit (CUP) in Cathedral City, CA. Step 4: Complete Criminal History Check (Live Scan) Prior to applying:
Step 1: Determine an Acceptable Location for a Medical Cannabis Business The application must include the address and a detailed description of the proposed Medical Cannabis Business location. Dispensaries, Cultivation Sites and Manufacturing Sites are only being permitted in certain zones listed in Section 9.108.090 of the City Code. Dispensaries may be located in the I-1, CBP-2, and PCC zones. Cultivation Sites may be located in the I-1, CBP-2, PCC and OS zones. Manufacturing Sites may be located in the I-1 zone. Dispensaries, Cultivation Sites and Manufacturing Sites are subject to other locational restrictions, as stated in Section 9.108.090 of the City Code, including minimum distance requirements from schools, day-care centers and youth centers, residential zones, and East Palm Canyon Drive. Any person who desires to open a Medical Cannabis Business in the City should ensure that the proposed location of the use satisfies the City’s locational restrictions in Section 9.108.090 prior to filing an application for either a Medical Cannabis License or a Conditional Use Permit.
City of Cathedral Zoning Map: http://www.cathedralcity.gov/home/showdocument?id=5350  Step 2: Complete and Review the Application Process for a Medical Cannabis Business License in Cathedral City, CA.
Medical Cannabis Business License Application Completed applications need to be submitted in person at: Cathedral City Community Development Department 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero Cathedral City, CA 92234 All applicants are required to complete the application form and submit two (2) copies. A deposit in the amount of $7,500.00 is required along with the application and the following additional documentation:
The applicant will be notified in writing by the City Manager of the decision to approve or deny the Medical Cannabis License. If approved the license will not be issued until the applicant posts a cash deposit or letter of credit in the amount of $5,000 as the security required by Section 5.88.040(I)(5) of the City Code. The Medical Cannabis License will not be considered final, and no Conditional Use Permit may be issued, until this amount is posted. Step 3: Complete and Review the Application Process for a Medical Cannabis Business Conditional Use permit (CUP) City of Cathedral, CA. Conditional Use Permit Application Applicants may apply for the Conditional Use Permit CUP at the same time as the Medical Cannabis License or they can wait until the Medical Cannabis License is approved. The City will not schedule the Conditional Use Permit for a public hearing before the Planning Commission until a Medical Cannabis License has been approved by the City Manager and the appeal period has expired or all appeals have been exhausted. The Conditional Use Permit application might require at least one site visit by City Planning staff and the potential need to revise submitted plans to ensure they comply with all applicable laws and regulations prior to scheduling of the hearing before the Planning Commission. The CUP application form must be submitted to the City in person, along with the following documentation:
Step 4: Complete Criminal History Check (Live Scan) Once an application has been submitted, applicants may contact the Police Department at (760) 770-0304 to schedule an appointment to start the LiveScan fingerprinting and the background check process. The background check can begin after the application is submitted or after the City has completed the courtesy pre-screening or made a formal determination that the application is complete. At the time the application is submitted the City will provide the applicant with a Live Scan form for each person identified in the application as an owner, director, officer, or person who is managing or otherwise responsible for the activities of the proposed of the Medical Cannabis Business. Live Scan forms will also be available on the City’s website. Background checks consist of a two-step process: Step 1: Each individual associated with the application must be fingerprinted using Live Scan technology.
Step 2: The background check shall generally consist of, but not be limited to:
The Background Investigator will submit a full report to the Chief of Police upon completion of the background check. The Background Investigator shall be tasked solely with providing factual information in his or her report in order to provide the Chief of Police with a sufficient factual basis to decide as to whether the application should be approved or denied. Once the Chief of Police reviews the report from the Background Investigator they will make a recommendation as to whether the criminal history of one or more of the individuals indicates that Good Cause exists to deny the application. The Chief of Police’s recommendation shall be issued in writing within ten (10) calendar days of his receipt of the report from the Background Investigator and shall include an explanation as to the Chief of Police’s reasoning in making the recommendation, including the analysis bridging the facts to the ultimate conclusions.  Currently, the City of Desert Hot Springs is accepting applications for temporary marijuana facilities. These temporary options allow facilities in the City Desert Hot Springs to begin operation while the state develops the appropriate regulations for Proposition 64 (Prop 64), the “Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act”.
Proposition 64 was designed to reshape the use and taxes of marijuana in the state including designating specific agencies to regulate and licenses of the marijuana industry in California. As the state works to create licensing procedures that meet the new law by January 1, 2018, cities like Desert Hot Springs have decided to implement temporary processes to cover businesses in the interim. Anyone interested in submitting a temporary marijuana facility application must go through the process outlined below: Step 1: Select A Temporary Facility Option Step 2: Obtain Appropriate Permits Step 3: Submit Application to Initiate the Approval Process _____________________________________________ Step 1: Select A Temporary Facility Option The City of Desert Hot Springs is offering three options for temporary marijuana facilities. Marijuana businesses must determine the best temporary option based on business needs. Below are three options outlined by the City:
Step 2: Obtain Appropriate Permits All marijuana businesses must complete the Marijuana Facility Regulatory Permit application. Marijuana businesses who want to open prior to the state issuing permits will be required to complete a Conditional Use Permit application. This permit covers each of the three options for temporary facilities outlined by the City. Each option has its own requirements, process and fees for a temporary facility approval. The City encourages that businesses seeking temporary facilities meet with the Community Development Director in advance of submitting an application. To schedule an appointment, contact Daniel Porras at (760) 329-6411 or dporras@cityofdhs.org. Step 3: Submit Application to Initiate the Approval Process Each option has its own application process. Since each permit is temporary, the City is requiring that progress is shown on the project once Temporary Certificate of Occupancy has been issued. This progress can be demonstrated by documentation from the developer to the Community Development Director at the City. The Temporary Certificate of Occupancy will become void in 180 days if the project fails to show progress. All fess must be paid in advance. Option 1: Conditional Use Permit To obtain a temporary permit under Option 1, a “noticed” hearing is required with the City’s Planning Commission. The Planning Commission will decide on issuing the temporary permit and the following will be issued upon approval: 1) Temporary Interim Phase; 2) Temporary Certificate of Occupancy; and 3) Temporary Regulatory Permit. The following information should be included in the application:
Application fee: $3,725 Application Approval Timeline: Contact City Staff Option 2: Minor Modification Permit Minor Modification permits require that the marijuana business have City Staff review and approve the permit prior to making the modifications. Applications should include the following information:
Application fee: $245 Application Approval Timeline: 2-3 weeks Option 3: Temporary Permit to the Conditional Use Permit Temporary Permit to the Conditional Use Permits will only be issued for cultivation and manufacturing. Under Option 3, marijuana businesses can a request an extension on temporary facilities. They must make this request 30 days prior to their 180-day permit’s expiration and it must be in sent to the Community Development Director in writing. If the permit expires, the business must remove the additional structures within 30 days. The temporary structure must include the following outlined by the City:
The City requires additional plans required for this type of temporary permit. Those requirements include: Grading Plan showing temporary improvements; Hydrology Report and Soils Report. They also require the following plans:
Application fee: $7,986 plus $40,000 cash deposit (returned up project completion or when site is returned to original condition) Application Approval Timeline: 3-6 weeks  Obtaining a Cannabis license or permit can be an arduous process. Often times, applicants experience difficulty navigating the complex licensing bodies and local requirements. While each jurisdiction is different, many share similar elements in their Cannabis business applications. In general, communities want to see applications from businesses that stand out but complement their local culture. Here are best practices for a strong Cannabis business application:
1.Understand the Selection Process 2.Get Local 3.Know Your Business 4.Capital Needs 5.Follow Directions 1. Understand the Selection Process: Cannabis businesses are awarded licenses or permits based on their applications. Each municipality takes a different approach to their application process. Some may have a cap on the number of permits issued, others may not. Some cities use a scoring process to evaluate applicants, while other communities take a less traditional routes in their selection process. Scoring Process Most communities use scoring for the selection process and list the requirements online. Certain areas are weighted more heavily than others. For example, the City of Hollister uses scoring for their applications. The Security Plan and Proposed Development Agreement have the highest value on their application. Since their values rank the highest in scoring, it is important to focus developing a strong plan in these areas of the application. Engaging local security firms and real estate businesses may strengthen an application-as they may have knowledge of local requirements for Cannabis businesses. Diversity Some Cannabis licensing bodies offer preferences to businesses led by certain groups. Preference may be given to women, veterans and minorities to promote diversity in the industry. There have been concerns about the industry’s inclusion for these groups. Cities like Sacramento are considering reserving up to 40% of the city’s Cannabis permits for minorities to address the disparities. Convicted felons and persons experiencing economic hardship may be able to apply for permits in some areas. Communities like the City of Oakland have opened up the permit application process to include individuals convicted of drug related offenses. Usually people with felony drug convictions are prohibited from participating in any aspect of a Cannabis business and/or application. Socio-economics have traditionally played a role in a person’s ability pay the application fee. Oakland’s Equity Program offers application fee waivers to residents making less than 80% of the city’s medium adjusted income. 2. Get Local: A strong application is great when applying for a license, but relationships will help take the application to the next level. Like any business moving into a new community, it is important that the business builds community rapport. This is especially important with a Cannabis business which carries a lot of misconceptions. Although the reputation of our businesses has improved over the years, it can still be very controversial for some communities. Safety and Economics It is imperative that people understand the benefit having a Cannabis business in their community. Emphasize how Cannabis businesses bring economic prosperity to many communities through taxes and employment opportunities for locals. When possible, create business partnerships with well known local business to show the community your level of investment. Security can be an issue for many critics of Cannabis businesses in their communities. Share your plans to ensure a safe climate for your business and the surrounding community. Ask for feedback as during the planning process. Let the community know that safety is a priority of the business. Community Image It is a good practice to ensure that someone is identified as the face of the organization as the Cannabis business team is put together. This person should be personable, possess great networking skills and an ability to represent the business well. Having them join local advisory boards and attend municipal meetings is highly recommended. They also need to identify the key players and decision makers involved with the application process and they should also find someone in the community to serve as an informal “advisor”. 3. Know Your Business: A strong business plan and leadership team will be a tremendous asset in the application process. Strong Business Plan A strong business plan is an excellent roadmap for the application process. A strong business plan possesses a healthy and realistic financial forecast as well as a SWOT (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis. A business’s ability to plan for the future can help ensure sustainability. Team – Human Capital Hiring the best people in the field is ideal for the application process. The ability to article the team’s experience in their industry is important. For example, a grower with experience and is known for specific strains in the industry leads credibility to your products. As does a chief financial officer who has worked successfully with multiple Cannabis business. 4. Capital Needs: Having capital on hand is important in any business, especially in the Cannabis industry. Some cities are requiring proof of liquid funds in excess of $500,000 to consider a license application. Understanding your business’ capital needs and demonstrating your ability to cover those costs is critical to success in the licensing process. Compensation Businesses should have a plan in place to offer competitive compensation for team members. Many startup companies may not have the capacity to pay top dollar, but business equity also can be an incentive for major talent depending on your business plan. Cash Flow Applications should show that the business has enough cash flow especially in the initial stages. Cultivation and manufacturing can bring the greatest initial costs to the business and licensing bodies want to ensure that if a business comes to their community, the business will survive. 5. Follow Directions: Government applications can be very convoluted. Often times this is used as a qualifying process and other times it is simply a product of bureaucracy. Whatever the reason, applicants must follow directions. Some communities like the city of San Francisco require applicants to obtain referrals from the Fire Marshal, Planning Department and the Mayor’s Office as part of their application process. Applicants may not understand the importance of these referrals; however, since the city requires them, it is important that applicant complete this process. Relationships with community stakeholders may shed some light on the application instructions. Remember that each community is different and will offer varying support in the application process. Communities like Desert Hot Springs, encourages applicants to meet with a city official prior to submitting an application. These meetings can offer insight on their application process and as well as clarity to confusing aspects of the application. There are communities that offer checklists like the City of Humboldt. Checklists are a great way to keep track of the application requirements and activities. In the event that a city does not provide an application checklist, applicants can create their own checklists based on the application and process outlined by the city. Checklists are a way for businesses to ensure that they are following the directions. They can also assist in creating a work plan to complete an application process.  Currently the city of Coalinga, CA is accepting applications to obtain a permit for cultivation, processing, extraction, manufacturing, testing, and distribution activities with an approved Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and Regulatory Permit within areas of the City zoned Manufacturing and Business Light (MBL). Anyone interested in operating a Commercial Cannabis business within the City of Coalinga must obtain the following: Step 1: Attend Mandatory Pre-Application Meeting Step 2: Identify Property Zoned Location Suitable for Commercial Cannabis Activity Step 3: Submit Regulatory Permit Application Packet Requirements Obtaining a Commercial Cannabis Permit is a dual submittal process. Application documents must be filed with both the Police Chief and Community Development Department. Cannabis Permit Processing Matrix Step 1: Attend Mandatory Pre-Application Meeting There is a prerequisite of scheduling a mandatory pre-application meeting prior to the submission of an official application package for a Commercial Cannabis Permit. All prospective applicants must schedule a pre-application meeting with the City of Coalinga by contacting Amy Martinez, Community Development Secretary at 559-935-1533 x141. The purpose of the pre-application meeting is to provide a comprehensive review of the application process, the application content, and the expectations of the City as it relates to permitting requirements such as the security plan, floor plan, cannabis operational characteristics, employee permits, licensing fees and taxes, monitoring and compliance, legal documents, etc. Step 2: Identify Property Zoned Location Suitable for Commercial Cannabis Activity According to the City of Coalinga’s Commercial Marijuana Operations Ordinance, all licensed Commercial Marijuana Operations are permitted within the Manufacturing and Business Light Zoning Designations (MBL). Also, in the ordinance is a restriction of 1,800 feet from any currently sited and future sited school (K-12). For more information regarding school siting you can view the attached map that identified locations in town outside that restriction. The following applications for land use will need to be submitted: Additional information on fees and regulations can be found at the following links:
Lands Zoned for Cannabis Operations:  Step 3: Submit Regulatory Permit Application Packet Requirements It is of utmost important to the City of Coalinga City Council to regulate the commercial cannabis industry in a manner which takes into consideration the needs of patients and their caregivers while promoting the health, safety and welfare of residents and businesses. It is the responsibility of the Community Development Department and the Police Department to implement the City’s Commercial Cannabis Ordinance (No. 797) and the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA), which was signed into law on June 25, 2017 by the Governor which created a licensing and regulatory framework for both adult use and medicinal cannabis. At this time, the City of Coalinga is accepting permit applications for commercial cannabis cultivation (indoor), manufacturing (volatile/non-volatile, testing, distribution and wholesale nurseries, in accordance with the standards of the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) and the City’s adopted Commercial Marijuana Operations (CMO) Regulations (Ordinance No. 797). The City’s ordinance does not allow for the licensing of retailers at this time. There is an application fee of $2,000.00 and an employee fee(s) of $400.00 per employee that is due when submitting an official application. The Police Chief will review the entire application package once a completed package along with receipt of paid application fees have been received. The Police Chief will issue a recommendation to the City Council to approve/deny the regulatory permit in accordance with Section 95.128.
There are several Regulatory Permit Application Requirements: Application Checklist
Please contact Sean Brewer, Community Development Director with any questions at 559-935-1533 x 141 or sbrewer@coalinga.com.  Beginning January 1, 2018, the state of California’s marijuana tax laws will change for distributors, cultivators, manufacturers and retailers of marijuana and cannabis products. The information outlines the process for collecting, paying and filing taxes under the new laws: Step 1: Secure Permits and Licenses Step 2: Register with California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) Step 3: Collect and/or Pay Taxes Step 4: File Taxes Background: On November 8, 2016 voters in California approved Proposition 64 (Prop 64), the “Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act”. This proposition was designed to reshape the use and taxation of marijuana in the state in a number of ways including designating specific agencies to regulate and licenses of the marijuana industry in California. Prop 64 also impacts the collection and payment of taxes for the following marijuana business groups defined below:
Step 1: Secure Permits and Licenses
 Under the new state law, marijuana businesses will be required to obtain licenses from the state agency listed above. The Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC) is the agency developing regulations for medicinal marijuana use and those regulations should be available November 2017. Marijuana businesses are highly encouraged to apply for a temporary license from the BCC as soon as the regulations are available. The BCC will also issue temporary licenses which be effective January 1, 2018. In order to secure a temporary license through the BCC, a business must have authorization from a local government (city and/or county) to run a marijuana business in their local community. Temporary licenses will be good for 120 days from the date of issuance. This proposition imposes specific marijuana excise and cultivation taxes. Prop 64 was later amended by Senate Bill 94 (SB 94) which repealed the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Marijuana Safety Act (MCRSA) while defining the payment and collection of taxes. Below is the breakdown of tax collection and payment between distributors, cultivators, manufacturers and retailers:  Step 2: Register with California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA): All marijuana distributors, cultivators, manufacturers and retailers are required to register with the CDTFA for seller’s and tax permits. Seller’s and tax permits are different and require that businesses apply for separate permits. Below is information that will be required for businesses to provide when registering with the CDTFA:
The NAICS number for most medicinal marijuana businesses is classified the same as pharmacies and drug stores therefore the code is 44610. Manufacturers may fall under a different NAICS code, depending on their business activities. The manufacturer section offers additional business code information on their NAICS classification. Distributor: Marijuana distributors must collect the following taxes: cultivation, excise and sales from the cultivators, manufacturers and retailers.
All business equipment and supplies (computers, signage, etc.) are generally subject to sales tax. Most retailers will collect the tax at the time of purchase. If the distributor is not taxed but the seller of the equipment, they should include the purchase on the “Purchases Subject to Use” tax on the “sales and use tax return”. Supplies like wrapping for marijuana and cannabis products (ex: bags) may fall under resale. The Tax and Fees section of the BOE offers additional information on use tax. Cultivator: The cultivator must pay the manufacturer and distributor a cultivation tax.
Please note that cultivation tax rate may change. Beginning January 1, 2020, the CDTFA will be required to annually adjust the cultivation tax rate based on inflation. The cannabis distributor, manufacturer and retailer must provide the cannabis cultivator with a “timely” and “valid” resale certificate. If a resale certificate is not provided a sales tax will be applied to the sale and the cannabis cultivator must report and pay tax to CDTFA. The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) offers additional information on sale for resale in Publication 103.
The following are examples of items considered cannabis cultivator farm equipment and machinery:
Cannabis cultivators who qualify for partial farm equipment exemptions may also qualify for partial exemption on solar power equipment. The state issued a special notice on solar power farm equipment offering additional details.
Manufacturer: The manufacturer must collect taxes from the cultivator and must pay the distributor a cultivation tax.
Please note that cultivation tax rate may change. Beginning January 1, 2020, the CDTFA will be required to annually adjust the cultivation tax rate based on inflation. Documentation like a receipt or invoice with the following information must be provided for these transactions. The information below should be included:
Retailer: The retailer charges and collects sales tax on “taxable retail sales” marijuana and cannabis products as well as other products. They are also required to collect cannabis excise tax from customers and pay this tax to the distributor. Sales:
Exemptions: Effective November 9, 2016 certain sales of medicinal marijuana are exempt from sales and use tax as defined by the Business and Professions code. Some items included are: medical cannabis, medicinal cannabis concentrate, edible medicinal cannabis products or topical cannabis. Customer must provide their MMI and ID at the time of purchase. Retailers must keep an electronic or paper record of the following information for exempt transactions:
Retailers should not collect sales tax on these purchases and should claim a deduction on sales and use tax return for exempt medicinal marijuana and cannabis products sales. Purchases: Purchases made on products that will be resold can be made without paying sales or use tax. Retailers must provide the seller a “valid” and “timely” resale certificate. Out-of-state vendors may not apply the California state tax. In this situation the cannabis retailer is responsible for reporting and paying the sales or use tax when they file their return with the CDTFA. Items for use in a retail business like signage, scales, and computers are subject to sales tax at the time of purchase. Packaging and other supplies may be purchased for resale without paying sales tax. Step 4: File Taxes: All marijuana business owners must register for a seller’s permit and file sales and use tax returns. Distributors of marijuana and cannabis products must register for a cannabis tax permit and file tax returns regularly.
As of November 9, 2016, certain retail transactions will be exempt from the sales and use tax. The BOE lists examples and the process for recording tax exempt transactions in a “Special Notice”.  Additional Information:
 Currently, the City of Arcata, CA is accepting applications to obtain a permit for Commercial Cannabis Activity permit (CCAP). This application process began April 1, 2016. Anyone interested in a medical cannabis business within the City must go through the process outlined below: Step 1: Identify Permit Type Step 2: Gather Application Information Step 3: Write Operational and Logistical Plans Step 4: Submit Application to Initiate the Approval Process Step 1: Identify Permit Type: There are eight types of permits under the City’s CCAP process defined by the type of medical cannabis business. The following are the permit types: Cultivation (the chart below outlines the cultivation standards), Manufacturer 1 (nonvolatile solvents), Manufacturer 2 (volatile solvents), Testing Laboratory, Dispensary, Distributer, Transporter and Delivery. Cultivation Activities Defined by the Medical Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act  (Note: Permits are for specific locations where the business operates, more than one location for the same business will require separate permits) Step 2: Application information: Full Arcata City Applications are available on the city website. The applications must include the following information:
Parking compliant with city regulations should be addressed in the site plan as well.
Step 3: Write Operational and logistical plans: All applications are required to include a full outline regarding how your marijuana business will operate. The following items must be included in your plans:
Other information including proposed activities, average amount of production and source of cannabis must be included in the operations plan.
Security breaches required to addressed as part of the security plan. The Arcata Police Department must be notified within 24 hours of noticing a security breach. In section 6.f of Exhibit A Resolution 167-29, the City defines the following as security breaches:
Step 4: Submit Application to Initiate the Approval Process:
  The City of Grover Beach, CA is accepting applications for Commercial Medical Cannabis Business based on city ordinances Ordinance No. 17-05 and Ordinance No. 17-06 as of June 14, 2017. The application deadline for dispensaries has expired however the City is taking applications for Cultivation, Manufacturing, and Testing Laboratories. At this time Grover Beach does NOT allow Recreational Cannabis uses. Contact Information for all Commercial Medical Cannabis Business Related Questions:  All Commercial Medical Cannabis Businesses will be required to complete the following steps: Step 1: Determine an Acceptable Location for a Commercial Medical Cannabis Business. Step 2: Complete the application process for a Cannabis Use Permit in the City of Grover Beach, CA. Step 3: Complete the application process for a Commercial Cannabis Permit in the City of Grover Beach, CA. Prior to applying:
Step 1: Determine an Acceptable Location for a Commercial Medical Cannabis Business Grover Beach allows Commercial Medical Cannabis Business in all three industrial zones:
Grover Beach, CA Zoning Map: http://www.grover.org/DocumentCenter/View/2749  All cultivation with storefronts shall be located a minimum of 600 feet from public and private schools grades kindergarten through 12th grade consistent with State law. All commercial cannabis uses shall be located a minimum of 100 feet from the CR2 Zone on the north side of Atlantic City Avenue as measured from the residential lot boundary to the industrial lot boundary. Step 2: Complete the application process for a Cannabis Use Permit in the City of Grover Beach, CA. All Applicants will be required to pay an application deposit that covers the costs acquired by the city when reviewing the Cannabis Use Permit application. The deposit amount will range from $6,000 - $10,000.
If the Cannabis Use permit is approved applicant may submit the application for the Commercial Medical Cannabis Permit Step 3: Complete the application process for a Commercial Cannabis Permit in the City of Grover Beach, CA. Commercial Cannabis Permit Application Checklist Commercial Cannabis Permit Application Fire and Life Safety Requirements The applicant must complete and submit the following:
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