San Rafael, CA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

050 spells out. That section allows a business to apply for one of four license types: a Testing Laboratory License (state Type 8), a Manufacturing License for infusions (state Type N), a Cannabis Delivery Non-storefront license (state Type 9, for retail sales conducted exclusively by delivery), and a Cannabis Distribution license (state Type 11). No license issues unless the activity is also a permitted land use, and any cannabis business type not expressly listed in the chapter is prohibited within city limits. 080(A) makes that prohibition explicit for the two uses residents ask about most: cannabis cultivation and cannabis dispensaries are prohibited activities in the city, with no person or entity allowed to conduct them except where federal or state law preempts a local ban.

045 confirms that cannabis testing/lab, infused products, delivery and distribution are the only cannabis land uses the zoning code allows, and that dispensaries, cultivation and processing are prohibited citywide. Personal, non-commercial cultivation or use of cannabis is not covered by these local rules and instead runs on state law. 030 is a zero-tolerance approach: commercial cannabis operation is treated as a revocable privilege, not a right, and no business or individual acquires a vested or nonconforming right to operate a dispensary by having done so before the ordinance existed.