Important Information for Cannabis Applications and Business Tax

Priority processing for qualifying existing medical marijuana dispensaries is now available

The Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) has begun to accept applications for Proposition M Priority Processing from qualifying existing medical marijuana dispensaries.  This is one of the first of many steps the City of Los Angeles is taking to implement its new Cannabis Ordinances.  For more information please refer to the Business Licensing overview located on the DCR website at http://www.cannabis.lacity.org/business-licensing.

New Cannabis Business Tax Classifications

New business tax classifications have been established for cannabis related business activities.  For more information please refer to our informational flyer.  New Cannabis BTRC Classifications

**Note: The sale of products related to industrial hemp and/or cannabidoil (CBD) derived from industrial hemp is not regulated by the Department of Cannais Regulation, but you must still complete this attestation form and submit it with your completed business tax application. 

Cannabis Business Tax Renewals

Beginning January 1, 2018 business taxation of cannabis activities changed from the sole taxation of medical marijuana sales to include all facets of cannabis business operations.  The existing L050 Medical Marijuana business tax classification ceased to exist on that date and was replaced by the following tax classifications:

The taxation of these activities will be done initially on a quarterly basis and then move to a monthly reporting basis in July 2019.  Activities related to the 1st quarter of 2018 (January, February, March) and the 2nd quarter of 2018 (April, May, June) will be both due on July 1, 2018.  You are receiving a first and second quarterly renewal mailing for each one of your appropriate cannabis classifications. Click here to renew now.

Cash Payments over $1,000 - Businesses paying cash in excess of $1,000 are required to make an appointment for payment at Los Angeles City Hall - 200 N. Spring Street, Room 101, Los Angeles, CA 90012.  Note that check, money order, and credit card payments can be made at all three branch office locations and do not require an appointment. Cash payment appointment requests may be made by email or phone at least three business days in advance (but not more than a month in advance) of the desired appointment time.  You may contact us via email at finance.csd.appt@lacity.org or by phone at (213) 978-1540.   An Office of Finance representative will respond at least 2 days prior to the scheduled appointment with confirmation and additional instructions.

Important Information Regarding Address Change

The Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) would like to remind you that address changes and other general business updates need to be approved and processed by DCR prior to submitting the request to the Office of Finance or other City Agencies.

For address changes, you will need to email DCR staff (DCRLicensing@lacity.org) and provide the following information:

1. Statement of Information form from the Secretary of State showing new address
2. PDF Copy of Government issued ID (should match the ID for person who picked up the original L050 BTRC)
3. Current Lease Agreement (showing new Business Address)
4. Previous Lease Agreement (Showing old Business Address) or a letter of termination from landlord

Businesses applying for an address change shall be subject to the following rules:

1. All authorized cannabis activities may only be conducted at one location.
2. The applicant's proposed business address must comply with Chapter X Article 5 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code.
3. Grandfathering of commercial cannabis activities may not extend to the applicant's new proposed business address.

If DCR approves the address change, the Office of Finance will process the address change in their system and reissue temporary approval documents and BTRC’s.