San Bernardino Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning Rules (2026)

San Bernardino voters approved Measure O in November 2018 to authorize commercial cannabis activities including retail, cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and testing, with taxation and land-use limits. Retail dispensaries must obtain a Commercial Cannabis Business Permit from the city and a state license from the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) under Business and Professions Code Division 10. Zoning limits dispensaries to specific commercial and industrial districts identified in Development Code Chapter 5.10 and prohibit them within 600 feet of K-12 schools, licensed daycares, youth centers, and public parks, consistent with Business and Professions Code 26054. Additional spacing between dispensaries is set to prevent clustering. Applicants must submit a security plan approved by the Police Department, a community benefit proposal, a site plan showing odor control, and pass criminal background checks. Tax rates apply under Measure O (typically several percent of gross receipts for retail, plus state cannabis excise and sales taxes). Operating without a city permit or state license is a public nuisance and crime under Business and Professions Code 26038 and Municipal Code, subject to citations up to 30,000 dollars per day, injunction, and criminal prosecution. Delivery-only operators must also be licensed and are bound by state delivery rules (CCR Title 4 Division 19).