Cannabis Appellations Program (CAP)
Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability
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 cannot be replicated anywhere else.
Benefits
CDFA’s Cannabis Appellations Program provides an 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 highlight a region’s unique environment, practices, history, and cultivars.
Consumers 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.
Submit a Petition
Program Status
Closed
Program is not accepting applications at this time.