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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
San Diego, CA
San Diego allows backyard recreational fires under San Diego Fire Code Section 511.0307 (adopting 2022 California Fire Code Section 307) when the fire is no ...
San Diego, CA
San Diego enforces 2022 California Residential Code Section R314 and California Health and Safety Code Sections 13113.7 and 13114 through the San Diego Build...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays on private property. California Civil Code § 4710 limi...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. Inflatables are permitted on private property subject to SDM...
San Diego, CA
San Diego has no city ordinance specifying installation dates, removal deadlines, or brightness limits for residential holiday lights. Amplified outdoor audi...
San Diego, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Diego require multiple permits through the Development Services Department: a building permit for the structure, a gas-line ...
See how San Diego's social equity licensing rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.