California has a highly regulated and robust cannabis market. If you’re looking to operate “Hash Holes and Donuts” vendor booths in California, you’ll need to navigate the state’s licensing and event regulations very carefully.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s involved in California:

1. What are  hash holes in California?

As previously explained, “Hash Holes” (also known as “donut joints,” “rosin rolls,” or “snake holes”) are infused pre-rolls with a core of cannabis concentrate (typically hash rosin or bubble hash) running through the center. They are highly potent and popular in the California cannabis market.

2. Key Regulatory Bodies:

* California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC): This is the primary state agency responsible for licensing and regulating all commercial cannabis activity in California, including cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, testing, retail, and events.

* Local Jurisdictions (Cities and Counties): In California, you need both a state license from the DCC and local approval from the city or county where your business or event will take place. Local regulations can vary significantly, with some areas being very cannabis-friendly and others having outright bans.

3. Licenses Required for a “Hash Holes and Donuts” Vendor Booth:

To legally sell “Hash Holes and Donuts” at an event in California, you generally need to be a licensed cannabis retailer (dispensary or delivery service) or a microbusiness with retail authorization. Cultivators and manufacturers cannot directly sell at events unless they also hold a retail license.

Here’s why and what’s involved:

* State Retailer License (Type 10 for storefront, Type 9 for non-storefront/delivery, or a Microbusiness Type 12 with retail authorization): This is fundamental. You must have a valid state license to sell cannabis products to consumers.

* Local Approval First: Before you can even apply for a state retail license, you must secure local approval (permits, zoning clearances, etc.) from the city or county where your retail operation is based. This is often the most challenging and time-consuming part.

* Application Process: The DCC has an online licensing portal. You’ll need to submit a comprehensive application, including business formation documents, premises diagrams, financial information, security plans, inventory procedures, and proof of a surety bond. There are application fees and annual license fees (which can vary based on projected revenue).

* Background Checks: All owners and key personnel will undergo thorough background checks.

* Participating in a Cannabis Event:

* Event Organizer License (Type 14): The organizer of the cannabis event must hold a Cannabis Event Organizer License issued by the DCC.

* Temporary Cannabis Event License: For each specific event, the licensed event organizer must also obtain a Temporary Cannabis Event License from the DCC. This license is specific to the event location, dates, and approved activities (like sales and consumption).

* Local Event Approval: The event organizer must also secure written approval from the local jurisdiction where the event will be held. This local approval is a critical component of the state temporary event license application.

* Vendor Information: As a vendor (retailer) at an event, the event organizer will require you to provide your state and local retail licenses, contact information for on-site personnel, and a list of employees who will be selling.

4. Selling at Events – Specific Regulations for Vendors:

If you are a licensed retailer participating in a cannabis event, you must adhere to strict regulations:

* Only Retailers Can Sell: Only licensed retailers (storefront or non-storefront) or microbusinesses with retail authorization are allowed to sell cannabis goods at temporary cannabis events.

* Designated Sales Area: Retailers must operate from a specific, designated location within the event. Sales from mobile carts or undesignated areas are prohibited.

* Age Verification: Access to the cannabis sales and consumption areas must be restricted to persons 21 years of age or older. Event organizers typically use ID scanners for verification.

* No Alcohol or Tobacco: Consumption of alcohol or tobacco is not allowed on the cannabis event premises.

* Product Compliance: All cannabis products sold must comply with California’s rigorous testing, labeling, and track-and-trace (CCTT) requirements. This means the “Hash Holes and Donuts” must come from licensed cultivators and manufacturers, have passed all required lab tests, and be properly packaged and labeled.

* Packaging and Labeling: Products must be in child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging.

* Sales Limits: Daily sales limits to individual consumers apply, just as they would at a brick-and-mortar dispensary.

* No Free Samples: Offering free samples is generally prohibited.

* Excise and Sales Taxes: You are responsible for collecting the 15% cannabis excise tax and applicable sales tax from purchasers. You will need to register for a seller’s permit and a cannabis retailer excise tax permit with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).

* Security: Event organizers and vendors must implement robust security protocols.

* Visibility: Consumption of cannabis must not be visible from any public place or non-age-restricted area.

In essence, to operate a “Hash Holes and Donuts” vendor booth in California, you need to be a fully licensed cannabis retailer and participate in events that are themselves fully licensed and approved by both the state DCC and the local jurisdiction. It’s a complex process that requires significant investment, compliance with numerous regulations, and careful coordination with event organizers.