Cannabis retail dispensaries in San Francisco require both a state license and local authorization under Police Code Article 16. Dispensaries are subject to zoning restrictions including minimum distance requirements from schools and are limited to specific commercial and mixed-use zoning districts.
Cannabis retailers must obtain a state retail license and comply with SF Planning Code use provisions. Storefront retailers must operate from a fixed location. A 600-foot buffer from K-12 schools applies per state law, though cities may reduce this to 0 feet. SF allows both storefront and delivery-only retail permits. The Office of Cannabis oversees local permitting and equity programs. SF has an active Cannabis Equity Program prioritizing applicants from communities disproportionately affected by prior cannabis enforcement.
Operating without required permits is a misdemeanor. Violations of zoning, distance, or operating requirements can result in permit revocation, fines, and criminal prosecution.
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See how San Francisco's dispensary zoning rules stack up against other locations.
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