IndustryPolitics California Sends ‘Several Hundred’ Warning Letters to Unlicensed Cannabis Businesses Ben Adlin February 16, 2018 Share Twitter Facebook Share Print FILE - In this Oct. 13, 2016 file photo, marijuana products, including pre-rolled cigarettes and buds are displayed at the medical marijuana dispensary owned by Tim Blake near Laytonville, Calif. The state Assembly approved a measure, AB1578, by Assemblyman Reggie Jones-Sawyer, D-South Los Angeles, that would shield Californians complying with state cannabis regulations, such as those legally operating shops selling marijuana, from being detained, reported, or arrested by state or local police unless they are issued a court order. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

California state cannabis regulators fired a warning shot this week, sending out hundreds of warning letters to businesses suspected of engaging in commercial cannabis activity without a state license.

“These letters represent the first step in the Bureau’s efforts against unlicensed operators.” Alex Traverso, Bureau of Cannabis Control

Most of the letters, which threaten civil and criminal penalties, have gone out to retail storefronts and delivery services believed to be operating illegally, according to Alex Traverso, communications chief for the state Bureau of Cannabis Control.

“We’ve sent out several hundred of these letters in just the past couple days,” he told Leafly on Friday. “Much like we’ve been visiting licensees and doing compliance checks focused on education, these letters represent the first step in the Bureau’s efforts against unlicensed operators.”

California has long been considered the Wild West of cannabis regulation, with virtually zero state oversight of the legal industry until the beginning of 2018. As new state licensing requirements kicked in on Jan. 1, some existing businesses decided to forego licenses, citing high fees and onerous obligations.

In Los Angeles, local authorities have arrested at least 35 people during raids at eight unlicensed retail shops, Los Angeles Police Department Capt. Stephen Carmona said at an LAPD press conference on Thursday. Officials have granted licenses to roughly 100 cannabis businesses but estimate that two to three times that number are currently operating in the city. Other cities, such as San Diego, are also cracking down on unlicensed cannabis businesses.

Here’s the full text of letters the Bureau of Cannabis Control has sent to businesses suspected of operating illegally:

The Bureau of Cannabis Control (Bureau) has reason to believe that you may be engaging in unlicensed commercial cannabis activity. Pursuant to the provisions of the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA), a valid state license from a state licensing authority is required to legally operate a commercial cannabis business within the State of California. If you are in fact engaging in unlicensed commercial cannabis activity, you must cease all commercial cannabis operations until you obtain a valid state license to avoid further violations of state law. Please be aware that such violations may result in criminal and administrative penalties, as well as civil penalties totaling up to three times the amount of the license fee for each violation. To apply for a license, please visit the Bureau’s website, www.bcc.ca.gov, or contact the Bureau at (833) 768-5880. Sincerely, Paul Tupy Assistant Chief of Enforcement

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Ben Adlin Ben Adlin is a Seattle-based writer and editor who specializes in cannabis politics and law. He was a news editor for Leafly from 2015-2019. Follow him on Twitter: @badlin View Ben Adlin's articles