The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is responsible for licensing commercial cannabis cultivation in California, as well as establishing a track-and-trace system to document the path from cannabis cultivation to retail sale as a commercial product. To accomplish this, CDFA implemented the CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing Program (Program).

Horizon analyzed the potential environmental effects of the licensing program statewide in a Programmatic Environmental Impact Report (PEIR). The Horizon team prepared the PEIR, performed human and ecological risk assessments, consulted with multiple state agencies, and collected and assessed scientific data related to cannabis and its cultivation. Horizon conducted public outreach in locations throughout the state and coordinated with many stakeholders. Horizon currently assists CDFA with implementation of the Program, including supporting development of the agency’s individual license application review process, and CEQA compliance assessment guidance and standards.

The PEIR won the 2018 Merit Award for Environmental Analysis document by the California Association of Environmental Professionals.