This checklist is designed to help you review the conditions of your cannabis cultivation (including nursery or processing) facility in preparation for an inspection by Department of Cannabis Control (Department) staff. The items listed below represent the major areas evaluated during a routine compliance inspection.
The requirements come from division 10 of the California Business and Professions Code (BPC) and California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 4, which are available at the Department’s website: California’s cannabis laws. Please be aware that this checklist is not an exhaustive list or substitute for ensuring compliance with all applicable statutory and regulatory requirements for your license type.
Quick checklist
- Inventory management and track and trace requirements
- Premises and cultivation plan documents
- Designated canopy areas
- Pesticides
- Water source
- Power source and generators
- Light pollution
- Weighing devices and weighmaster requirements
- Records
Inventory management and track and trace requirements
- Immature cannabis plant lots:
- Each lot of immature plants contains no more than 100 plants of the same strain.
- A plant tag is assigned and placed with each immature lot, and each immature plant lot either (A) has each plant labeled with the UID number and placed contiguous to one another or (B) is fully separated from other immature plant lots by a physical barrier.
- Each individual plant in the designated canopy area has a plant tag attached to the main stem near the base of each plant, placed in a position so it is visible and within clear view of an individual standing next to the mature plant, and kept free from dirt and debris.
- Harvested plants that are hanging, drying, or curing have been assigned a unique harvest batch name in the track and trace system, and a label with the harvest batch name is placed next to the batch.
- Harvest batches that have finished drying, curing, grading, and/or trimming have been assigned a package UID tag.
- All harvest batches are assigned a package tag that is recorded in the track and trace system.
- The following activities have been entered in the track and trace system within 24 hours of each occurrence: receipt of cannabis, rejection of cannabis, use for internal quality control testing or product research and development, destruction or disposal, packaging or repackaging, and sale or donation.
- The following cultivation activities have been entered in the track and trace system within three (3) calendar days of occurrence: planting of an immature lot, movement to canopy, flowering, application of plant tag, destruction or disposal, and harvesting.
- On-site inventory is reconciled with the track and trace system at least once every 30 days.
- All transfers are conducted by a licensed distributor and manifests are created before transfer.
- All cannabis material is stored within the licensed premises and in an indoor harvest storage area.
Additional information:
- CCR section 15000.1
- CCR section 15000.7
- CCR sections 15047.1 through 15052.1
Premises and cultivation plan documents
- The approved premises diagram on file with the Department is a complete and detailed diagram of the premises and accurately reflects the current layout.
- The approved cannabis waste management and pest management plans accurately reflect current operations.
- For mixed-light and indoor licenses, the lighting diagram reflects location and wattage of all lights and is within limits.
- Prior to making alterations, updated documents must be submitted for approval.
Additional information:
Designated canopy areas
- All canopy areas are marked with clearly identifiable physical boundaries.
- No portion of plants are hanging over canopy boundaries.
- Total canopy area does not exceed license limits.
Additional information:
Pesticides
- Site operations comply with pesticide statutes and regulations.
- Pesticides and chemicals are stored securely.
- Containers are properly labeled and used per directions.
- Leaks and spills are contained and cleaned.
- Pesticides are applied safely and appropriately.
- Additional information: CCR section 16307
Water source
- All water sources are identified and approved.
- Plans to change water sources are submitted and approved.
- Premises is enrolled in appropriate water board requirements.
- Water sources are approved for cannabis cultivation.
- Required agreements and documentation are on file.
Additional information:
Power source and generators
- Power source reflects actual operations.
- New sources are approved prior to use.
- Required generator documentation is available.
- Generators meet regulatory requirements.
Additional information:
Light pollution
- Outdoor lights are shielded and downward facing.
- Cultivation lights are shielded to reduce glare.
Additional information: CCR section 16304
Weighing devices and weighmaster requirements
- Devices are approved and registered.
- Valid weighmaster license is available.
- All relevant individuals are included on license.
- Certificates are obtained when required.
Additional information: CCR section 17221
Records
- License is prominently displayed.
- All required documents are available.
- Waste and service records are maintained.
- Training and compliance documentation is available.
- Records are retained for at least seven years.
Additional information:
Last revised: April 25, 2024