OARS has been working on the preparation of a rulemaking to make amendments to the Cannabis Appellations of Origin program (CAP). The CAP was established through voter-initiative with the passage of Proposition 64 in 2016 and CDFA is responsible for establishing the rules for participation in the program and administration of the program. An appellation of origin legally defines products and production methods of specified geographic regions, protecting them from false or misleading labelling and marketing.  

CDFA’s CAP incorporates aspects and traits of various established appellation programs for agricultural products throughout the world, like wine, and applies them to the context of the California cannabis industry. The program will only be available to licensed outdoor cannabis cultivators. Cultivators must submit a petition in accordance with regulations to establish an appellation of origin. 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.     

CDFA released the latest rulemaking on January 2, 2026. A 45-day public comment period will run until midnight on February 17, 2026. The proposed changes reduce the number of cultivators per appellation of origin petition from 3 to 1 and provide clarity on the usage of names in conflict with an approved appellation of origin. To learn more about the program, the open rulemaking, and how to comment, please visit the program’s webpage at cdfa.ca.gov/oars/cap. 

As the rulemaking proceeds, we look forward to updating stakeholders and the public on the program’s opening, currently expected for summer 2026. For questions, please contact the program directly at CannabisAg@cdfa.ca.gov