Guide: Starting A Legal Cannabusiness | Cannabis Regulatory Authority

Compliant Cannabusinesses in California are required to follow an array of laws and regulations. As an authority on marijuana rules in California, we know very well of the struggle many experience to become compliant.

Not only are legal businesses overwhelmed with tax returns and bureaucracy, but to make matters worse, state laws are often confusing and managed by a number government agencies, including the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing, Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), etc. Furthermore, organizations must take local rules and legislation into consideration.


So how do you maneuver your way through the burdensome and bureaucratic landscape? Leave the job to the professionals! Cannabis Regulatory Authority (CRA) offers memberships to Cannabusinesses covering all work required to become a compliant actor in the state’s blooming Cannabis market. Unlike other regulators, CRA is a California-based agency which not only covers Regulation, but also legal assistance  and guaranteed compliance for all clients.

As the state struggles to get illegal operations out of the shade, there has been a wave of fines and warnings provided to unlawful marijuana organizations. It is likely to assume that such efforts will be increased during the coming months. A number of dispensaries and delivery services have also been shut down by government officials. Why take the risk?

An exclusive membership with Cannabis Regulatory Authority can save you money, time and headache. Sign up with us today to hand over your regulatory burdens to the experts!

What Does Your Cannabis Business Need; General Council or Compliance Assistance?

At Cannabis Regulatory Authority (CRA) we know that with all the new regulation put in place it is a necessity for both. A lawyer is the ideal solution when you have actual issues which require representation, but with a proper regulatory system in place, issues shouldn’t turn into legal matters. A lawyer’s traditional role is to provide legal advice and advocate gaining the best resolution for their client, mostly after the fact. CRA is the designer of a compliance strategy; we structure and develop a simplified quality system to accommodate current regulations. It is up to us to comprehend complicated laws and regulations and process them into a flourishing and workable set of operations for your company to adhere to. These processes must fit according to each company’s unique set of circumstances; all companies are not created equal.

It is our job to educate your CEO, Board, Compliance Officer, and staff on the developed Standard Operating Procedures that we customize and develop for your organization. AT CRA, we also monitor, detect, audit and report any potential findings that regulatory agencies may find and proactively resolve the issues found. The key here is being “proactive”, as most regulatory agencies and legal authorities are happy to work with an organization that is transparent and being proactive in recognizing issues, big or small. Quite possibly the most important role of the CRA is to minister a culture of positive accountability for all positions within the company along with fostering safety for all levels of the company’s personnel and to report any offenses or situations that may require attention before they become an issue for any outside authorities.

The Office of Inspector General has taken the following position: legal counsel should not exercise a dual role.

Now, you are probably asking yourself, why use the OIG’s recommendation as an example? Keep in mind, just as there are lawyers for all types of entities, the same goes for compliance! Here are just some type of organizations and entities that utilize both legal and regulatory: Banks, Corporations, Health Providers and Durable Medical Equipment providers; which brings me to why CRA is the most appropriate organization to handle your Cannabis compliance needs. The owners of CRA have their background in Federal Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), California Department of Public Health (CDPH) – who regulates the Manufactures of cannabis, and California Medical Board. They have worked with these heavily regulated administrations for many years and have been through numerous audits with each as well as local agencies. They have a precognition and exceptional knowledge on how to prepare and pass audits by being proactive versus reactive. This will help any organization assisted by CRA to stay within the framework of proper regulation so that there will never be a need to call your attorney? Why wait until it’s too late?

This last point brings us to our conclusion, and to summarize the topic: Compliance is proactive, legal is reactive. BOTH components are vital, yet only one can keep you from getting in hot water!

Cannabis Regulatory Help

Whether you manage a Medical Marijuana or other “Cannabusiness”, chances are you have questions regarding Local, State or Federal regulations. With the recent passing of AUMA (Prop. 64), the State of California will “Control, Regulate, and Tax the Adult Use of Marijuana.” Still many in the industry have more questions than answers as to what’s required. The good news is that CRA was established for the sole purpose of achieving and maintaining compliance for your business. As a provider of Cannabis regulatory services, CRA will interpret and navigate appropriate regulations- and licenses to keep you in compliance.

Are you prepared for your commercial License? Are you worried your service may not comply with Cannabis regulation procedures? No one knows applicable Rules and relevant Law better than the CRA. We closely follow all directions from newly established state agencies such as the California Bureau of Cannabis Control (BCC), as well as departments such as Department of Public Health (CDPH), Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), and others. Several non-profit organizations and foundations are also established to provide information about Cannabis regulation in the state, including California State Association of Counties.

From licensing to audits, we help clients by navigating and explaining local- and state regulations. Unlike most regulators, we also issue an Affirmation Seal for your organization. We upkeep continued support with Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) and are able to achieve top levels of regulatory compliance for participating partners. 

Whether you are an investor, CEO or marijuana grower - contact the CRA today to hear more about our Complete Compliance Protection. Why worry for the next Audit or government inspection? Call us today to rest assure that bases are covered.