The adoption of the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC) and integration with the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 512 mark a transformative period for cannabis extraction operations across the United States. As jurisdictions—including California, New York, Denver, Austin, San Antonio, Mississippi, Iowa, Wichita-Sedgwick County, Wyoming, and others—move to adopt updated fire and electrical safety codes, facilities handling cannabis extraction must prepare for an evolving compliance landscape in 2025–2026.
These regulatory shifts bring more stringent requirements for hazardous location classification, gas detection, ventilation design, emergency power, and overall process safety. This post provides a deep dive into the changes, local amendments, practical design and submittal tips, and a migration checklist for facilities upgrading from IFC 2021 to IFC 2024.
States and Cities Adopting IFC 2024 for Cannabis Extraction
As of late 2025, several key states and cities have announced or finalized adoption of IFC 2024—often with local amendments designed to address unique local risks or accommodate emerging technologies in cannabis extraction. Jurisdictions moving quickly on IFC 2024 implementation for cannabis facilities include:
- California (statewide, with local amendments varying by county)
- New York State (including New York City, via July 2025 adoptions)
- Denver, Colorado (city and county level)
- Austin, Texas (as per city code engagement notices)
- San Antonio, Texas
- Mississippi, Iowa, Wichita-Sedgwick County, and Wyoming
Adoption usually triggers a new permitting window (often in Q4 2025 or early 2026) that requires all new projects—and some significant renovations—to comply with the latest code suite.
Local Amendments and Interpretations
Common themes among local amendments include:
- Enhanced reporting and permit granularity for different types of extraction processes (e.g., butane, ethanol, CO₂).
- Additional gas detection beyond base IFC requirements in response to past incidents.
- Stricter enforcement of C1D1/C1D2 electrical area classification determinations, with a bias toward conservative (more stringent) interpretations.
- Unique ventilation and solvent storage provisions, especially in California urban counties and New York City.
Plan reviewers in Austin and Denver, for example, are known to request in-depth hazard analyses and demand early coordination with fire prevention and building safety teams—for both new facilities and substantial retrofits.
The 2024 revision of the International Fire Code brings sweeping changes that directly impact cannabis extraction, especially when using flammable or combustible solvents.
1. Gas Detection vs. Continuous Ventilation
For the first time, IFC 2024 allows a performance-based approach: a well-engineered gas detection system can sometimes substitute for continuous high air-change ventilation, provided it meets strict requirements (including auto-shutdown, alarms, and documented reliability). This offers flexibility for high-efficiency operations but demands a robust engineering justification.
2. Hazardous Location Classification (C1D1/C1D2) & NEC Article 512
Alignment with NEC 2023 Article 512 introduces more prescriptive rules on how extraction spaces are classified and how electrical systems must be selected and protected. Expect:
- Facilities processing or storing large volumes of ethanol, butane, or propane to default to Class I, Division 1 (C1D1) designation, unless a detailed risk assessment supports C1D2 or unclassified status.
- Increased scrutiny of post-processing and winterization rooms.
- More rigorous documentation required in electrical plans and operational SOPs.
3. Emergency Power and Equipment Shutdown
IFC 2024 clarifies where emergency power is required (e.g., ventilation fans, gas detection, alarms) and how systems must fail-safe in extraction rooms. Essential safety devices must operate during power loss, with detailed specifications for battery backup or generator power.
4. Solvent Storage and Maximum Allowable Quantities (MAQ)
Refined solvent MAQs and stricter indoor/outdoor storage provisions are introduced, with more accurate risk-based calculations for mixed solvent scenarios. These are often further tightened by jurisdictional amendments.
5. Plan Submittal and Document Requirements
Updated fire code now explicitly outlines documentation expectations, including fully coordinated mechanical, process, and fire protection plans, plus room-by-room hazardous area determinations.
Anticipating the new standard, facilities should ensure project teams (architects, engineers, consultants) complete the following steps before plan submittal:
- Hazard Analysis: Conduct a full Process Hazard Analysis (PHA) and document all scenarios.
- Hazardous Location Map: Mark all C1D1 and C1D2 zones, supported by calculations and process narratives.
- Gas Detection Design: Provide manufacturer specs and control logic showing compliance with IFC/NEC shutdown/alarm requirements.
- Ventilation Design: Include airflow calculations and equipment schedules, referencing code and local amendments.
- Solvent/Material Inventory: List all MAQs and categorize storage by room and class.
- Emergency Power: Specify type (battery or generator), capacity, connection details, and load priority (fans, alarms, etc.).
- Electrical Plans: Document electrical area classification, device ratings, and wiring methods per Article 512.
- Process SOPs: Attach standard operating procedures showing safe operation, shutdown, and emergency response.
- Coordination Letters: Secure preliminary approval or sign-off from fire marshal, building department, and local plan reviewers.
Example Submittal Sheets & Common Reviewer Requests
Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and plan reviewers in leading cities typically request:
- Comprehensive engineering plans stamped by a professional engineer familiar with hazardous processes.
- Mechanical, electrical, and fire alarm drawings that clearly identify:
- Gas detector detector layout and specs
- Shutoff valves and interlock details
- Emergency lighting and exit paths
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS/SDS) for all solvents and compressed gases
- Calculation spreadsheets justifying MAQs, airflow rates, and C1D1/C1D2 demarcation
- Verification of UL/certification status for critical equipment
Prepare to submit iterations and respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) with detailed evidence of compliance. Cities like Austin and San Antonio often require pre-submittal meetings to review system designs and clarify local nuances.
For facilities upgrading from IFC 2021 to IFC 2024, here are the most notable shifts:
- Gas Detection Substitution: Gas monitoring systems can now, in some cases, substitute for continuous ventilation, reducing energy cost but increasing system scrutiny.
- NEC Article 512: Electrical documentation and hazardous area maps must follow stricter, extraction-specific requirements versus the generic hazardous areas of IFC 2021.
- Emergency Power Detail: Enhanced expectations for fail-safe protection—ventilation and alarms must remain operational during utility failure.
- SDS and Risk Assessment: Increased emphasis on pre-operation risk/hazard analysis submittals and detailed solvent inventory.
- Submittal Rigor: More comprehensive plan sheets and calculations; increased likelihood of formal site inspection prior to certificate of occupancy.
Takeaways for Cannabis Operators and Compliance Pros
- Expect more rigorous engineering, documentation, and AHJ engagement for new or renovated extraction facilities in all major jurisdictions transitioning to IFC 2024.
- Early coordination with fire and building officials will accelerate plan review and reduce surprises during commissioning.
- Investment in licensed professionals (fire protection, electrical, and mechanical engineers experienced in hazardous materials) pays off—under- or mis-documented plans will be rejected or delayed.
- Don’t rely solely on model code—review local amendments and prepare for stricter interpretations in major urban markets.
- Leverage cloud-based compliance platforms, like CannabisRegulations.ai, to track jurisdictional adoption, changes in code enforcement, and upload your documentation to streamline the approval process.
Conclusion: Embrace the New Standard—With Expert Guidance
The rollout of the 2024 International Fire Code and NEC 2023 Article 512 is reshaping how cannabis extraction rooms are designed, inspected, and operated. The stakes—worker safety, business continuity, and regulatory approval—have never been higher. As jurisdictions move forward with adoption, now is the time to audit your compliance programs, educate your team, and work with trusted code professionals.
For the latest on 2024 International Fire Code cannabis extraction rules, best-practice guides, and compliance tools, visit CannabisRegulations.ai and ensure your project stays on the leading edge of safety and regulatory approval.
