National City, CA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Commercial cannabis is banned in National City unless Chapter 9.60 says otherwise. Section 9.60.030 expressly prohibits the commercial cultivation, manufacture, processing, storing, laboratory testing, labeling, sale, delivery, distribution or transportation of cannabis or cannabis product except as the chapter specifically authorizes, and § 18.30.340 of the Land Use Code repeats that commercial marijuana activity is prohibited except as provided for in Chapter 9.60.

Where the chapter does allow a business, § 9.60.070 draws the map. Cultivation, distribution, manufacturing, microbusiness, testing labs and retail ancillary/accessory use go in IL, IM or IH zones only. Consumption lounges, defined as areas within a state-licensed, locally permitted commercial cannabis retail business, go only in CT (tourist commercial) west of Interstate 5. Each project must also conform with the general plan, be constructed to minimize odors to surrounding uses, and be served by adequate highways, electricity, sewerage, water, fire protection and storm drainage.

Section 9.60.080 leaves the number of each type of business to city council resolution, lets the council reassess the number each year or at any time, and states that nothing in the chapter creates a mandate to issue any or all permits. Under § 9.60.060 an operator needs a commercial cannabis business permit, a city business license, a mandatory building inspection and all required permits, a valid state license, approvals from the planning division of the community development department, a valid development agreement jointly negotiated with the city, and a state seller's permit. Section 9.60.100 requires the development agreement before operating, and outdoor commercial cannabis cultivation is prohibited outright under § 9.60.060(C). Renewal applications must be filed at least sixty calendar days before the permit expires (§ 9.60.350). A state license alone does not authorize operation, because § 9.60.050 says a local permit or authorization is also required.