Riverside County, CA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Under California's Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA), local governments retain full authority to permit or prohibit commercial cannabis activity. Riverside County has historically prohibited commercial cannabis businesses (retail, cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and testing) across unincorporated areas, with Ord. 348 and the 2018 Cannabis Regulation Framework carving out limited areas where Conditional Use Permits may be issued, subject to a cap on licenses, state-issued MAUCRSA license from DCC, and strict buffers. Typical zoning restrictions include: no dispensary or cannabis business within 1,000 feet of a K-12 school, daycare center, youth center, public park, or church (state H&S §11362.768 and County code); no storefront retail in residential zones; retail only in designated commercial/industrial zones where allowed by the CUP; and compliance with operational standards (security, odor control, hours, delivery-only options in some areas). Each project requires CEQA review, public notice, and Planning Commission or Board of Supervisors hearing. Unlicensed cannabis activity is subject to administrative citations up to $1,000/day per violation, abatement, and state enforcement. Many incorporated cities within Riverside County (Palm Springs, Coachella, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs) allow commercial cannabis under their own rules, but the rules described here apply only to unincorporated County.