California begins issuing recreational pot licenses

Posted by Sagar Satapathy on December 16, 2017.

In a boost to recreational cannabis market, California issued its first batch of business licenses for the sell and transport of recreational pot. The sales are scheduled to begin from January.

The State will issue 20 temporary licenses in the first phase. “We plan to issue many more before January 1,” Lori Ajax, the state’s top marijuana regulator, said in a statement.

The first temporary license was distributed to Pure CA, which does business as Moxie brand products, a company known for its cannabis extracts.

“I couldn’t be more excited.California has been without regulations for a very long time. So there is going to be a transition period,” said Moxie CEO Jordan Lams, after receiving the license.

The first license for recreational retail sales was awarded to Torrey Holistics in San Diego, who gave credit to his detailed application for helping him get the first license for recreational pot shop. The store had submitted 60-page lease, diagrams and a detailed business plan.

“I think it’s how we conduct our business. We all have a professional background,” he said.

Hall, who opened the shop two years ago, said he sees recreational marijuana taking off like the wine and craft beer industries.

“California has been without regulations for a very long time. So there is going to be a transition period,” he said.

At Hall’s shop, customers go through an electronic security gate manned by a guard. Once inside, the business looks like a stylish pharmacy with wood floors and Christmas decorations.

“The taboo part is slowly going to be removed and this is going to be like any other business,” Hall said.

California approved legalization last year when the voters approved sales of recreational cannabis to adults.

comments powered by Disqus