The CDFA is now offering Provisional Cultivation Licenses to act as a bridge between temporary licenses and annual licenses. Check out their fact sheet.

After the annual cannabis cultivation license application has been submitted—and if there is no basis for denial—CDFA will determine whether the applicant will receive a provisional license or an annual license. This determination will be based on the evidence of exemption from, or compliance with, CEQA, as provided by the applicant in the application. If the applicant can provide evidence that CEQA compliance is underway, then CDFA may issue a provisional license. CDFA’s refusal to issue a provisional license does not entitle the applicant to appeal the decision.