Cannabis Appellations Program (CAP)

About the Cannabis Appellations Program (CAP)

An appellation of origin is a protected designation that identifies the geographical origin of a product and typically includes production requirements. Appellations celebrate and protect the unique qualities of place-based cultivation, preserving local heritage while helping consumers identify the origin and associated characteristics of products—wine regions are famous examples of this system.

CDFA's Cannabis Appellations Program (CAP) applies this concept to cannabis cultivation, helping prevent the misrepresentation of a cannabis good's origin while promoting regional collaboration around cannabis production. The program facilitates cultivators in identifying how the soil, climate, growing methods, and plant varieties work together to create a unique product that can't be replicated anywhere else.

History

The concept of appellations for California cannabis was first introduced in proposition 64 (2016), also known as the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, which provided for recreational legalization of cannabis through a licensing structure. Voters approved Prop 64 and recreational sales of cannabis began January 2018. Since then, the CAP has undergone various rounds of revisions and refinement through legislation and rulemakings. Visit our regulatory archives page for a timeline of program history and regulatory documents.

Benefits

CDFA’s Cannabis Appellations Program will provide the opportunity for cultivators to establish appellations representing unique cannabis growing areas throughout the state. Established appellation names are protected in law and provide the opportunity for regions and communities to create a strong and vibrant agricultural economy centered around cannabis. Appellations will highlight a region’s unique environment, practices, history, and cultivars.

Consumers will also benefit from the program, by having more information regarding the origins of their products, how it was produced, specific practices and cultivars used in the region, and information on cultivation history and legacy in the area.

Eligibility

Licensed outdoor cannabis cultivators may submit a petition to establish an appellation of origin for their region. Cultivation of mature flowering plants must occur without the use of structures or artificial lights and be within the proposed appellation of origin boundary as specified in CA Business and Professions Code section 26063.

Program Status

CDFA has established initial regulations for the program but is in the process of finalizing key components and is not currently accepting petitions to establish an appellation of origin. CDFA has been coordinating with the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) to ensure all aspects of the program are consistent with commercial cannabis laws. CDFA anticipates opening the program for petitions beginning Summer 2026. Sign up for the program’s newsletter to receive updates.