(a) A licensing authority shall give priority in issuing licenses under this division to applicants that can demonstrate to the authority’s satisfaction that the applicant operated in compliance with the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (Section 11362.5 of the Health and Safety Code) and its implementing laws before September 1, 2016.
(b) The licensing authorities shall request that local jurisdictions identify for the licensing authorities potential applicants for licensure based on the applicants’ prior operation in the local jurisdiction in compliance with state law, including the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (Section 11362.5 of the Health and Safety Code) and its implementing laws, and any applicable local laws.
(c) In addition to or in lieu of the information described in subdivision (b), an applicant may furnish other evidence as deemed appropriate by the licensing authority to demonstrate operation in compliance with the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (Section 11362.5 of the Health and Safety Code). The licensing authorities may accept such evidence to demonstrate eligibility for the priority provided for in subdivision (a).
(d) This section shall cease to be operative on December 31, 2019, unless otherwise provided by law.
(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 27, Sec. 40. (SB 94) Effective June 27, 2017. Inoperative December 31, 2019, by its own provisions. Note: This section was added on Nov. 8, 2016, by initiative Prop. 64.)