California Helps Mendocino County Cannabis Producers Get Permanent Licenses

Cannabis producers have long struggled with complying with California’s environmental impact reporting process, leaving hundreds of people in Mendocino County waiting to receive annual licenses. Sacramento’s approval of EIR standards is expected to help in these efforts.

California has given the green light to hundreds of manufacturers in Mendocino County, located in the heart of the Emerald Triangle.

On Oct. 17, the state announced certification of an environmental impact report that serves as a guide to cannabis cultivation and helps approximately 460 pre-licensed cultivators obtain annual permits. Preliminary permits allow manufacturers to work to correct compliance violations until they receive permanent licenses. They account for 69% of the county’s total cannabis licenses.

“This is a huge win for both the state and growers,” said Sarah McBurney, senior cannabis program manager for Mendocino County.

Many cannabis growers and county officials have long demanded simplification of the rules governing the environmental review process under the California Environmental Quality Act. CEQA dictates rules regarding cultivation areas where, for example, sensitive watershed issues arise.

Final EIR for Commercial Cannabis Licensing in Mendocino County (PDF)

“Previously, there was no clear path,” McBurney explained, adding that once approval is granted, she expects dozens of applications to be processed simultaneously.

Hannah Nelson, cannabis law and policy advisor for the Origins Council, a group representing traditional Northern California growers, called it a “historic and important step” for the cannabis community.

“I think a lot of people will benefit from this,” Nelson said.

But she would like to see more details on how timelines will be determined for many who hope to obtain permanent licenses before temporary permits expire.

The district was flooded with hundreds of applicationsamong more than 6,600 temporary permits issued in the state as of July.

When Proposition 64 made adult-use recreational cannabis legal within the boundaries of certain local governments in 2016, it led the state to create a system to govern the industry.

The State will continue to review individual annual license applications and prepare supplements to support county license transfers.

“Our goal has always been clear—to support those who helped build California’s cannabis industry through a licensing program that is environmentally conscious and legally sound,” Department of Cannabis Control Director Nicole Elliott said in a statement.