WINTER LLP UPDATE: Licensed Weighmaster Q&A
Dear All,
Some of you may have received emails from the State requiring you to register as a “licensed weighmaster.” We have prepared the following Q&A which will hopefully answer some of your questions about this requirement. Please review carefully, and do not hesitate to reach out with further questions or if you require assistance in registering as a licensed weighmaster.
- What is a licensed Weighmaster?
The Division of Measurement Standards (a division within the CA Dept of Food and Agriculture) administers the Weighmaster Enforcement Program. This program licenses individuals or firms as Weighmasters, who are responsible for weighing, measuring, or counting bulk commodities and issuing certificates of accuracy. Weighmaster certificates are then used as the basis to buy or sell the commodity identified on the certificate.
- Do I need to register as a licensed Weighmaster?
Pursuant to the Emergency Regulations released by Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch (Section 40277) and CalCannabis (Section 8213), “For bulk shipments of cannabis and cannabis products, a licensee shall be licensed as a weighmaster, and a certificate shall be issued by a licensed weighmaster.” Therefore cultivators, manufacturers, distributors, and microbusinesses will all need to register as licensed Weighmasters. Please find further information and the application at https://apps1.cdfa.ca.gov/weighmasterpublic/newapplication. Please additionally note there are also County-specific requirements (see #9 below).
- What do I need to weigh? (non-exhaustive list)
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- Containers/packages of trimmings
- Containers/packages of flowers/buds
- Dried flower
- Edibles
- Topicals
- Shatter
- Oils
- Tinctures
- Extracts
- What needs to be on the Weighmaster Certificate?
Please see your County website for requirements. Samples here and here. Copies of voided certificates, issued certificates, and all records need to be maintained for four years.
- When do I issue a Weighmaster Certificate?
Whenever payment for your product is dependent on a written or printed weight, measure, or count (any bulk shipments/sales/transports).
- What is a Deputy Weighmaster?
All persons who determine weight, measure, or count and/or will be signing weighmaster certificates must be licensed as Deputy Weighmasters. A weighmaster may employ any person to act for them as a deputy weighmaster and shall be responsible for all acts performed by that person. There is no age limit.
- What are the fees for a weighmaster license?
Fixed location $75
Each additional fixed location $30
Location other than fixed $200
Deputy $20
- How long is a license good for?
The license is good for one year and must be renewed annually.
- What kinds of scales do I need? Do I need to register the scales with the County?
More information about the types of scales suitable for commercial purposes can be found here. You must only use weighing devices that have been approved, tested, sealed, and registered with the County Sealer (please find your County and see requirements).
- What will happen if I don’t register as a Weighmaster or fail to issue Weighmaster Certificates?
You may be found to be in violation of BPC 26031 (repeated offenses may result in revocation of your State cannabis license), and the violation is punishable by fines up to $1000 and/or six months in jail.
Again, should you need any assistance with the application process (State or County), please let us know.
Thank you, stay safe, and good luck out there! Todd Winter, WINTER LLP.