San Diego is developing a Cannabis Social Equity Program under Council direction adopted in 2022. Program design covers fee waivers, priority licensing, and technical assistance for residents harmed by past cannabis enforcement, with state Cannabis Equity Grant funds supporting rollout.
The San Diego City Council directed staff in 2022 to design a Cannabis Social Equity Program, joining other California cities under Business and Professions Code §26244 which sets statewide equity standards. As of 2026 the program remains in development through the City's Office of the City Treasurer Cannabis Business Division. The plan includes priority application review, fee deferrals, and technical assistance for applicants who can show low-income status, residence in a designated impacted neighborhood, or a prior California cannabis arrest or conviction. The state Department of Cannabis Control awards Cannabis Equity Grant funding to support program staff, training, and direct grants to qualified equity applicants.
Misrepresenting equity eligibility, transferring ownership outside permitted equity holders during the holding period, or violating program agreements once finalized would trigger application denial, license revocation, or recapture of fee waivers and grant funds.
San Diego, CA
SDMC §141.0614 requires 1,000 feet between any Marijuana Outlet and a school, public park, library, child-care center, playground, residential care facility,...
San Diego, CA
SDMC §141.0614 limits commercial cannabis activity to specific zones in San Diego: Marijuana Outlets in CC, CO, CR, CV, IL, IH, and IS zones; cannabis Produc...
See how San Diego's social equity licensing rules stack up against other locations.
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