Cannabis Compliance in California
Last reviewed · By Chad Griffith
California's DCC consolidates the state's cannabis regulation under a single agency. Track-and-trace via METRC. Distributor-led testing model. Most rigorous packaging and labeling requirements in the country. Active enforcement.
California Cannabis Compliance — Top Requirements
- METRC reporting on most events within 24 hours
- ISO 17025 lab testing covering 66 pesticides plus full microbial, heavy metals, and residual solvents panels
- 7-year retention on all cannabis transaction records (CCR Title 4 Section 15049)
- 90-day video retention covering vault, retail floor, cultivation, scale areas, exterior
- Distributor-led testing — distributor pulls samples, commissions testing, holds inventory pending results
- Strict packaging requirements including child-resistant features and warning text
| Regulator | California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) (official site) |
| Rule set | California Code of Regulations Title 4 Division 19 |
| Track-and-trace | METRC |
| Record retention | 7 years (CCR Title 4 Section 15049) |
| Video retention | 90 days (CCR Title 4 Section 15044) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates cannabis in California?
Cannabis in California is regulated by the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC). The official rule set is published in California Code of Regulations Title 4 Division 19. The regulator is responsible for licensing, METRC reporting enforcement, lab testing oversight, transport rules, and operational compliance enforcement.
What track-and-trace system does California use?
California uses METRC for cannabis seed-to-sale tracking. Every plant must be tagged at the immature stage. Every package must carry a unique tag. Every event (planting, harvest, transfer, conversion, sale, destruction) must be reported in the system within state-specific reporting windows.
How long must cannabis records be retained in California?
California requires 7 years (CCR Title 4 Section 15049) retention on all cannabis transaction records. Retention applies even if a license is surrendered or revoked. Records must be retrievable to California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) inspectors within state-specified response windows, typically 24-72 hours.
What video retention is required in California?
California requires 90 days (CCR Title 4 Section 15044) of video surveillance footage. Coverage typically includes vault, retail floor, scale areas, cultivation rooms, transport loading, and exterior. Camera failures must be reported to California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) within 24 hours.