What is the California Cannabis Access Map?

The California Cannabis Access Map (CCAM) is a tool used to classify and visualize areas in California with low or limited access to the legal cannabis market.

CCAM can be used to view access to licensed cannabis retail locations across census tracts and counties, providing additional details on the income status and demographics within these areas.

Why was CCAM developed?

ERA Economics prepared CCAM for Professor Michael McCullough and his grant-funded study, “Local Regulations, Market Power, and the Evolution of the California Cannabis Industry.” ERA and Dr. McCullough use CCAM data to analyze the effect of local regulations, taxes, and fees on consumer access to licensed cannabis. CCAM is a crucial step in understanding the factors driving the persistent illegal cannabis market despite recreational legalization in 2016.

What are cannabis access points in CCAM?

CCAM only uses active retail storefronts licensed by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) to constitute consumer access points to licensed cannabis. Other DCC licensed businesses such as delivery retailers without storefronts and microbusinesses are not included. Businesses not licensed by DCC, such as ‘smoke’ shops and CBD dispensaries, are also not included.

How do I use CCAM?

Instructions for navigating CCAM are provided below the map. Users can click on counties and census tracts to display access and demographic details. Toggles are on the bottom left and right corners of the map to modify viewing options.

CCAM is currently in its Beta version. For troubleshooting help or to provide feedback, please use the Contact portal with subject line ‘CCAM’.