How Camarillo Handles Cannabis Regulations: A Practical Guide

Camarillo maintains 132 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with cannabis regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Camarillo falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Home Cultivation

Under California Proposition 64 (AUMA) and Health and Safety Code Section 11362.2, Camarillo residents age 21+ may grow up to 6 cannabis plants per household for personal use. Plants must be grown indoors or in a secure, non-visible area. CMC Chapter 9.50 may impose additional local regulations.

Key details: Plant Limit: 6 plants per household. Age Requirement: 21+ years old. Visibility: Not visible from public view. Outdoor Growing: Locked, enclosed area required. HOA Rules: May prohibit cultivation.

Exceeding 6 plants or cultivating in a visible location violates HSC 11362.2. Local code violations are enforced by Community Development. HOA violations enforced through the association. Contact Camarillo Police at (805) 388-5100 for cannabis law questions.

Dispensary Zoning

Camarillo bans every commercial cannabis facility in every zone in the city under Municipal Code Section 19.55.030. The lone exception is a delivery-only medicinal retailer holding a state Type 9 license, conditionally permitted only in the M-2 General Manufacturing zone, with deliveries running 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to private residences in unmarked vehicles.

Key details: Storefront cannabis retail: Prohibited citywide. Only permitted use: Delivery-only, M-2 zone. Required state license: Type 9 retail (delivery). Delivery hours: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.. Delivery vehicles: Must be unmarked.

Section 19.55.050 makes each day a violation continues a separate offense. Violations are punishable under the citywide general penalty scheme in Chapter 1.12: a misdemeanor carries up to a $1,000 fine and/or six months in jail, while an infraction escalates from a $100 fine on a first offense to $200 on a second and $500 on each additional offense within a year. Section 19.55.070 separately declares any violation a public nuisance per se, letting the city seek civil injunctive relief in addition to criminal penalties.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Camarillo actively enforces its dispensary zoning requirements.

The Bottom Line

Camarillo's cannabis regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Camarillo is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Camarillo can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.