Cannabis Regulations in Long Beach, CA

Long Beach maintains 185 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with cannabis regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Long Beach falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Dispensary Zoning

Long Beach zones cannabis businesses in rather than opting out: LBMC Table 32-1 under Chapter 21.32 lists Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary as a by-right (Y) use in eight commercial districts, CNP, CNA, CNR, CCA, CCP, CCR, CCN and CHW, but flags it "N" (prohibited) in the CS zone, and industrial-district Table 33-2 bars cannabis businesses outright in the Port-Dependent (IP) district.

Key details: Dispensary-eligible zones: CNP, CNA, CNR, CCA, CCP, CCR, CCN, CHW (by right). Excluded commercial zone: CS zone. Table 32-1 marks it N. Excluded industrial district: IP (Port-Dependent): all categories prohibited. Delivery-only size trigger: Over 750 sq. ft. GFA needs conditional use permit. Delivery-only floor rule: Only 2nd floor and above in listed zones.

Operating a cannabis business outside its permitted zone is a zoning violation under LBMC § 21.10.080: "Any violation of the Zoning Regulations... is a misdemeanor and upon conviction is punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or by imprisonment for a period of not more than six (6) months, or by both." Each day after a notice of violation is served counts as a separate offense, and the Department of Planning and Building refers uncorrected violations to the City Prosecutor for continuous prosecution until abated.

Personal Cultivation Limits

California Proposition 64 lets adults 21 and older grow up to six cannabis plants per residence for personal use. Long Beach requires indoor cultivation only, with security and odor controls, and bans outdoor home cultivation citywide.

Key details: Plant limit: Six per residence. State law: HSC 11362.2. Outdoor allowed: No. Adult age: 21 and older.

Outdoor cultivation, growing more than six plants, or producing detectable odor at the property line can result in administrative citations, plant abatement, and in commercial-scale cases criminal charges under state law.

Buffer Zones

Long Beach prohibits cannabis retail, manufacturing, and cultivation businesses from operating within 600 feet of K-12 schools, daycares, parks, libraries, and other licensed cannabis businesses, measured property line to property line.

Key details: Buffer distance: 600 feet. Code section: LBMC 5.90.030. Measurement: Property line. State minimum: BPC 26054.

Operating a cannabis business inside a buffer zone results in license denial, mandatory closure, fines up to thirty thousand dollars per day under LBMC Chapter 5.90, and potential injunction by the City Attorney.

Home Cultivation

Adults 21+ may cultivate up to 6 cannabis plants per household for personal use under LBMC §5.92.520 and CA Prop 64. Plants must be in a locked, enclosed space not visible from public areas.

Key details: Plant Limit: 6 per household. Age Requirement: 21+. Visibility: Not visible from public areas. Code: LBMC §5.92.520, CA Prop 64.

Exceeding plant limits: citation and removal. Outdoor visibility: code enforcement. Volatile extraction: criminal charges.

The rules around home cultivation in Long Beach lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Long Beach'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 Long Beach is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Long Beach 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.