Cannabis Background Check Information

Background checks are required for all commercial cannabis owners, operators and employees in the State of California.  (Modesto Municipal Code 10-3.710).

Background checks related to Modesto commercial businesses of all types including dispensary, non-dispensary, cultivation, manufacture, testing and delivery must be applied for at the Modesto Background Check Portal, operated by HdL Companies under authority of the City of Modesto.

The applicant will need to pay for the background check fee upfront, which includes the cost of a badge. The fees are as follows:

• $300 New Owner
• $100 New Employee
• $10 Badge only, such as a replacement badge in case of loss, damage or theft

The web form on the background check portal will need to be filled out in its entirety and signed.  

The online application allows applicants to upload a scan/image of their issued identification card or document.  Acceptable forms of identification are listed in the application.

Applicants will need to upload a passport quality photo that will be used for their ID badge.  A “selfie” portrait photo can be sufficient.  However, the image will need to be clear and crisp.  Backgrounds should be clean, plain, and light-colored in a well-lit space, such as standing against a wall.  Applicant portrait photos may not include hats, masks, sunglasses, hand gestures, or image filters.

Submitted background check applications will be processed by HdL.  For successful background checks, badges will sent to the commercial cannabis licensee (employer).  Background checks that are not clear will be referred to Modesto Police Department for review at the direction of the Chief of Police or his designate.