Countdown to recreational sales

Beginning Jan. 1, fully licensed California businesses can begin selling cannabis to anyone 21 or over who shows a valid identification. The state Bureau of Cannabis Control on Thursday issued the first state licenses to grow, transport and sell recreational marijuana. Here’s what happens next. Dec. 15-31: The Bureau of Cannabis Control continues to issue temporary licenses to cultivators, distributors, labs, manufacturers, retailers and “microbusinesses” — which combine growing and selling. Cannabis businesses across the state continue to seek local approvals to engage in recreational cannabis commerce. Cities and counties across the state continue to craft and vote on local rules and licensing for medical and adult use cannabis commerce. Jan. 1: Licenses issued by the state of California go into effect. Rules allow stores to open at 9 a.m. Jan. 5: The first day cannabis retailers in San Francisco could potentially begin adult use sales. March 1: Deadline for the state Division of Occupational Safety and Health to convene an advisory committee to evaluate the need for industry-specific regulations. April 1: First-quarter 2018 adult use cannabis taxes due. May 1: Existing state licenses expire, because they are temporary, though renewals will likely be granted. Oct. 1: Deadline for an advisory committee to present its findings and recommendations. Late 2018: $3 million transferred to California Highway Patrol for DUI research; $10 million transferred to Governor‘s Office of Business and Economic Development; $2 million transferred to UC San Diego Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research. Jan. 1, 2019: A Proposition 64 impact advisory committee publishes an annual public report, with recommendations; temporary licenses expire; Performance audit of the marijuana bureau’s activities commences.