CDFA Releases Proposed Regulations For Cannabis Appellations in California

January 13th, 2026

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) released proposed regulations today for the cannabis appellations of origin program. The release of these regulations marks the official start of a 45-day public comment period provided under California law. All interested parties are encouraged to submit comments about the proposed regulations. 

An appellation of origin is a protected designation that identifies the geographical origin of a product and how that product was produced. This program will promote regional cannabis products and local businesses, prevent the misrepresentation of a cannabis product’s origin, and support consumer confidence about a cannabis product’s origin and characteristics.  

Notice of Proposed Actions PDF

Comments on the proposed regulations may be submitted until midnight on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, via email to CannabisAg@cdfa.ca.gov or by mail to: 

California Department of Food and Agriculture

Attention: Tawny Mata, Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability

Proposed Cannabis Appellations Regulations

1220 N Street

Sacramento, CA 95814