Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Alhambra, CA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Commercial cannabis facilities
Prohibited citywide (§ 23.22.080)
Only permitted model
Medicinal delivery-only retailer, CUP required
Allowed zone
Industrial (I); not allowed in PO
Required state license
Type 9-M, Dept. of Cannabis Control
Caregiver delivery hours
7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. only
Oversight
Operations Plan approved by Police Chief

Summary

Alhambra prohibits commercial cannabis facilities, including retail dispensaries, cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution, in every zoning district under § 23.22.080. The single carve-out is a medicinal cannabis delivery-only retailer, which may operate only with a conditional use permit in the Industrial zone and a separate city permit, under an Operations Plan approved by the Police Chief.

(B) Purpose and intent. The purpose and intent of this section is to prohibit commercial cannabis facilities, except for medicinal cannabis delivery-only retailers established and operating in compliance with division (D) below and to regulate cannabis cultivation, as defined above, within the city limits... (C) Commercial cannabis facilities and cannabis deliveries. (1) Except as provided in division (D) below, commercial cannabis facilities are prohibited in all zones in the city. No person or entity may establish or operate a commercial cannabis facility within city limits.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-25: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 4851, passed 10-27-25).

Full Breakdown

080 of the Zoning Code states the city's intent to prohibit commercial cannabis facilities outright, citing the federal Controlled Substances Act and secondary crime impacts associated with cannabis businesses. Division (C)(1) makes it unlawful for any person or entity to establish or operate a commercial cannabis facility anywhere within city limits, and (C)(2) bars a property owner from letting a tenant use the property that way. , must use an unmarked vehicle, and may go only to a private home, apartment, or residential condominium. 020 lists that use as not allowed in the Professional Office (PO) district and conditionally permitted only in the Industrial (I) district.

The conditional use permit must incorporate an Operations Plan approved by the Police Chief, and the whole scheme carries a sunset clause: it automatically repeals if the state law compelling it, Business and Professions Code § 26320, is repealed or invalidated under § 26322.

Violations & Fines

Operating a commercial cannabis facility without the narrow delivery-only retailer permit is unlawful under § 23.22.080(C)(1)-(C)(2). The City Manager or designee can suspend or terminate a delivery-only retailer's privileges for violating the chapter, and unlicensed operators and complicit property owners are subject to the citywide general penalty of § 1.12.010, fined by Council resolution or jailed up to six months, with each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a cannabis dispensary in Alhambra?
No. Section 23.22.080 prohibits commercial cannabis facilities, including retail dispensaries, in every zoning district in the city. The sole exception is a medicinal cannabis delivery-only retailer operating under a conditional use permit in the Industrial zone with a Type 9-M state license.
Can cannabis be delivered to a home in Alhambra?
Only in two situations: a permitted medicinal delivery-only retailer, or a primary caregiver delivering to their own qualified patient. Caregiver deliveries must occur between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., use an unmarked vehicle, and go only to a private home, apartment, or condominium.
Where in Alhambra can a medicinal delivery-only retailer operate?
Only in the Industrial (I) zone with an approved conditional use permit; Table 23.06.020 lists the use as not allowed in the Professional Office (PO) district, and the permit must incorporate an Operations Plan approved by the Police Chief.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Alhambra

All Alhambra rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Alhambra to another location·View the California cannabis regulations overview

Get notified when Dispensary Zoning in Alhambra, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Dispensary Zoning in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Los Angeles County handle dispensary zoning.

Long Beach, CA
Some Restrictions
El Monte, CA
Significant Restrictions
Carson, CA
Significant Restrictions
Pasadena, CA
Significant Restrictions
Pomona, CA
Significant Restrictions
Lancaster, CA
Significant Restrictions
Santa Monica, CA
Significant Restrictions
Los Angeles, CA
Significant Restrictions