California's new Bureau of Medical Cannabis Regulation is moving quickly to lay the groundwork toward a licensing and enforcement system for the industry.
The bureau, which is under the Department of Consumer Affairs, on Tuesday evening released a Request for Information seeking input to explore possible solutions and alternatives. The new IT system is required as part of a regulatory framework enacted via legislation.
"The Bureau is currently developing its programs, and does not have an existing system to process the licenses for medical cannabis in California. It is imperative that a system be in place to create a licensing and regulatory framework for medical cannabis," the document says.
The bureau envisions the automated system will feature Web-based functionality for licensing and applications, the ability for the public to look up licensees, internal application tracking, the capability to generate notices, enforcement and inspection functions, as well as cashiering and payment features.
The new IT system might be developed within the next two years.
"The Bureau is expected to be ready to issue licenses for medical cannabis in January 2018," the RFI says.
The last day to submit RFI responses is July 19.
Questions about the RFI can be sent to:
Department of Consumer Affairs
Attn: Colette McDowell
1625 N. Market Blvd., S-103
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: (916) 574-7291
Email: colette.mcdowell@dca.ca.gov
