26039.3. (a) If the department finds or has probable cause to believe that cannabis or a cannabis product is adulterated or misbranded within the meaning of this division, or the sale of the cannabis or cannabis product would be in violation of this division, the department shall affix to the cannabis or cannabis product, or component thereof, a tag or other appropriate marking. The department shall give notice that the cannabis or cannabis product is, or is suspected of being, adulterated or misbranded, or the sale of the cannabis or cannabis product would be in violation of this division and has been embargoed and that the cannabis or cannabis product shall not be removed or disposed of by sale or otherwise until permission for removal or disposal is given by the department or a court.
(b) (1) It is unlawful to remove, sell, or dispose of embargoed cannabis or an embargoed cannabis product without written permission of the department or a court. The removal, sale, or disposal of each item of embargoed cannabis or cannabis product without written permission of the department constitutes a violation of this subdivision. A violation of this subdivision is subject to a citation and fine of not more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a licensed cultivator may request permission for the continued cultivation or harvesting of the cannabis subject to embargo. The department may authorize, and may impose conditions on, the continued cultivation or harvesting of the cannabis subject to embargo.
(c) If the adulteration or misbranding can be corrected by proper labeling or additional processing of the cannabis or cannabis product and all of the provisions of this division can be complied with, the licensee may request that the department remove the tag or other marking to permit correction. If, under the supervision of the department, the adulteration or misbranding has been corrected, the department may remove the tag or other marking. Cannabis and cannabis products found at an unlicensed location, or cultivated, processed, produced, or manufactured at an unlicensed location, or derived from an unlicensed source, cannot be corrected and shall be destroyed.
(d) If the department finds that cannabis or a cannabis product that is embargoed is not adulterated or misbranded, or that its sale is not otherwise in violation of this division, the department may remove the tag or other marking.
(e) The cannabis or cannabis product may be destroyed by the licensee or product owner pursuant to a corrective action plan approved by the department and under the supervision of the department. The cannabis or cannabis product shall be destroyed at the expense of the licensee or product owner.
(f) The department may condemn cannabis or a cannabis product under the provisions of this section. A proceeding for condemnation shall be subject to appropriate notice to, and the opportunity for a hearing with regard to, the person or licensee affected in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
(1) Upon a finding by the administrative law judge that the cannabis or cannabis product is adulterated or misbranded, or that its sale is otherwise in violation of this division, the administrative law judge may direct the cannabis or cannabis product to be destroyed at the expense of the licensee or product owner and under the supervision of the department. The licensee or owner of the affected cannabis or cannabis product shall pay fees and reasonable costs, including the costs of storage, testing, and supervision, incurred by the department in investigating and prosecuting the action taken pursuant to this section.
(2) Upon a finding by the administrative law judge that the adulteration or misbranding can be corrected by proper labeling or additional processing of the cannabis or cannabis product and that all provisions of this division can be complied with, the administrative law judge may direct the cannabis or cannabis products to be brought into compliance under the department’s supervision. The licensee shall pay fees and reasonable costs, including the costs of storage, testing, and supervision, incurred by the department in investigating and prosecuting the action. After the costs, fees, and expenses have been paid, the department may release the embargo and remove the tag or other marking and supervise the corrective action.
(Added by renumbering Section 26133 by Stats. 2021, Ch. 70, Sec. 71. (AB 141) Effective July 12, 2021.)
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