Santa Monica, CA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Operating hours
- 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Sunday
- Permit type
- Annual cannabis retailer permit (per location)
- Location rules
- Must comply with Chapter 9.31 of the SMMC
- Neighbor notification
- Within 100 feet of business
- State license required
- Yes. DCC retail license required in addition to City permit
- Background check
- Required for applicant and all managers within prior 10 years
Summary
Santa Monica requires a cannabis retailer permit and City business license before operating any retail cannabis dispensary, with location standards set by Chapter 9.31 and operating hours capped at 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. All commercial cannabis activity not covered by Chapter 6.200 is expressly prohibited.
§ 6.200.025. License and permit required. (a) Business License Required. All cannabis retailers and all non-City-based cannabis delivery retailers shall obtain a business license from the City to engage in business in the City. (b) Cannabis Retailer Permit Required. Prior to operating any retail cannabis business in the City, the owner or operator shall obtain a cannabis retailer permit for each location operating within the City.
§ 6.200.040(d). The location of any cannabis retailer shall comply with the location requirements found in, among other things, Chapter 9.31 of this Code.
§ 6.200.070(a). Hours of operation shall be limited to: Monday through Sunday, six a.m. to ten p.m., or as further limited by State law.
§ 6.200.150. Except as provided in this Chapter, it shall be unlawful to undertake, establish, operate, maintain, or permit any other commercial cannabis activity in the City. No use permit, business license, variance, building permit, or any other entitlement, license, or permit, whether administrative or discretionary, shall be approved or issued.
Full Breakdown
Each retail cannabis location requires its own annual cannabis retailer permit in addition to a City business license and a valid State DCC retail license. Applicants must pass background checks, submit a security plan, and be at least 21 years old. Dispensaries must notify all neighbors within 100 feet of the business and provide a community relations contact. A neighborhood security guard patrol is required during all hours of operation. Non-storefront (delivery-only) retailers must obtain a separate non-storefront cannabis retailer permit.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a permit is a misdemeanor. Violations of any Chapter provision are subject to administrative citation under Chapter 1.09, with each day as a separate offense. Failure to pay applicable taxes for three months is grounds for business license revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a cannabis dispensary in Santa Monica?
What hours can a cannabis dispensary be open?
Is delivery-only cannabis retail allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California cannabis regulations overview
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How other cities in Los Angeles County handle dispensary zoning.