How to Sell Cannabis Accessories in California: A MunchMakers Guide

Welcome to MunchMakers! If you’re here, chances are you love quality grinders, rolling trays, and other must-have accessories for 420-friendly folks. Selling these kinds of products in California doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require an understanding of the state’s rules and regulations. Below is a breakdown of how to navigate the legal landscape so you can sell—or simply feel confident purchasing—high-quality cannabis accessories without running into compliance issues.

1. Knowing Your Products: What Counts as Cannabis Merchandise?

Cannabis Accessories vs. Plant-Touching Products

• Accessories: Grinders, rolling trays, lighters, papers, vape pens (hardware only), storage containers.
• Plant-Touching Products: Flower, edibles, concentrates.

At MunchMakers we focus on accessories—which do not contain THC or CBD. Because of this you don’t need a special cannabis license to buy or sell them. But you still need to be aware of general state laws surrounding paraphernalia and age restrictions.

2. The California Framework: Prop 64 and the DCC

Prop 64 (Adult Use of Marijuana Act)

In 2016 California passed Prop 64, legalizing recreational use and sale of cannabis for adults 21 and over. While this applies to cannabis products themselves, it also set the tone for broader acceptance of related merchandise.

Department of Cannabis Control (DCC)

The DCC oversees the commercial licensing of cannabis in California. Luckily if you only sell accessories like MunchMakers does you generally don’t need a DCC license. But that doesn’t mean it’s a free-for-all. Accessories—often labeled “drug paraphernalia” in legal language—have their own set of rules under both state and federal law.

3. Business Basics: Setting Up Shop

Even if you’re just selling grinders and rolling trays you must follow standard California business requirements:

1. Register Your Business
   • Form your legal entity (e.g. LLC, corporation or sole proprietorship).
   • This helps protect you (and your personal assets) and establishes your business officially.
2. **Get a Seller’s Permit * Because you’re selling physical goods, California’s Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) requires you to collect and remit sales tax.
   • Visit the CDTFA site to apply for a seller’s permit.
3. Local Business License
   • Check with your city or county government to see if you need a general business license.
   • Some municipalities issue special permits or require an additional “smoke shop” license for stores selling tobacco or cannabis paraphernalia.

MunchMakers itself operates as a registered business, abiding by all local and state requirements to ensure our customers (and our brand) remain on the right side of the law.

4. Age Restrictions: Selling to the Right Customers

21+ Guidance

California’s legal purchase age for recreational cannabis is 21. While grinders or rolling trays could theoretically be used for other herbs, accessories are commonly understood to be for cannabis use. It’s a smart practice to:

• Verify age if your brand is heavily cannabis-focused.
• Display signage (for brick-and-mortar shops) and online age gates (for ecommerce) stating that products are for customers 21+.

Responsible Marketing

MunchMakers for example uses age verification tools online, so our products aren’t sold to minors. Even if it’s not explicitly required for non-THC items, it’s best to err on the side of caution to protect your business and brand reputation.

5. Paraphernalia Laws: Stay in the Green Zone

Under federal law “drug paraphernalia” is still a tricky subject because cannabis is still illegal at the federal level. But California state laws and local acceptance of cannabis protect businesses selling accessories within the state—provided you’re marketing to customers 21+ and not implying illegal use.

• Keep It Legal: Don’t sell or ship your products to areas where cannabis paraphernalia is clearly prohibited.
• Be Transparent: MunchMakers clearly markets our products for legal, adult use. We don’t condone breaking any laws or promoting underage consumption.

6. Advertising and Branding: Dos and Don’ts

Don’t Target Minors

• No cartoonish characters or marketing that appeals primarily to teenagers.
• No promotional events at youth-oriented venues.

Do Focus on the Adult Market### Age-Gated Website or Purchase Flow

Content for a Responsible Adult Audience

Avoid False or Misleading Claims

• Accessories don’t need to make medical claims.
• If you partner with licensed cannabis businesses, ensure your marketing is compliant with their stricter guidelines (e.g., disclaimers, location-based limits).

7. Product Quality: Safe and Reliable Accessories

At MunchMakers, quality is key. High-quality accessories not only enhance the user experience but also protect your brand from potential liability issues:

1. Material Safety
   • Grinders should be durable, no toxic coatings or cheap metals.
   • Rolling trays should be easy to clean and sturdy enough for daily use.
2. Child-Resistant Storage (Optional but Recommended)
   • Some accessories (like stash boxes) come with locks or child-resistant features.
   • This shows social responsibility and can be a selling point.
3. Electronics Compliance
   • Vape pens or battery-powered devices must meet electrical safety standards.
   • Check for certifications if sourcing overseas.

By prioritizing product safety, you build trust with customers—which is the foundation of any brand.

8. Local Ordinances and Zoning

Every city in California has its own rules. For example, some cities restrict how close stores selling paraphernalia can be to schools or childcare centers. If you have a physical store:

• Verify your local zoning requirements.

If you’re an online seller like MunchMakers:

• You still need to follow business license rules in your home location.
• Some jurisdictions restrict shipping of paraphernalia; always check before advertising “worldwide shipping.”

9. Shipping Paraphernalia

In California

• No extra license required to ship accessories.
• Package discreetly and include age verification at checkout.

Out-of-State or International

• Some states or countries have stricter paraphernalia laws.
• Research each destination’s stance on cannabis accessories. If shipping internationally, ensure your products won’t be seized by customs.

MunchMakers clearly states our shipping policies and destination limitations to avoid legal issues.

10. Best Practices: Compliant Year-Round

1. Keep Records
   • Track your sales and inventory.
   • Save receipts and compliance documents in case of an audit.
2. Employee Training### Conclusion: Accessorize with Confidence

Selling accessories in California can be a blast and profitable—especially as the market grows. By understanding age restrictions, local laws, paraphernalia definitions and general business rules you can stay on the right path. Here at MunchMakers we believe in providing high quality products responsibly and transparently so you can enjoy the best gear in a fully legal above board way.

Remember this is a general overview. Laws change and every situation is different. When in doubt consult a professional to confirm the specifics of your city or county and keep your business running smoothly.

Now that you know the basics go ahead and check out our curated selection of grinders, trays and more at MunchMakers—knowing you’ve got the regulatory framework to back you up. Happy accessorizing!