Dispensary Zoning: Castaic vs Los Angeles
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Castaic, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Castaic and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.
Castaic, CA
Los Angeles County
All commercial cannabis activity is prohibited in unincorporated LA County. No dispensaries, retail, cultivation, manufacturing, or distribution facilities are permitted. The county is not accepting applications for cannabis business licenses. State will not license cannabis businesses in unincorporated areas.
View full Castaic rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Cannabis retail is regulated by the LA Dept of Cannabis Regulation under LAMC Articles 4 and 5. Storefronts must be in C1-C5, CM, or M1-M3 zones and 700+ feet from schools, parks, libraries, daycares, and other dispensaries. Both city (DCR) and state licenses are required. Social equity applicants receive priority in license lotteries. Proposition M priority EMMDs are exempt from new distance requirements.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Castaic | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Cannabis | Prohibited entirely | - |
| Dispensaries | Banned in all zones | - |
| Applications | Not being accepted | - |
| Penalties | Civil and criminal for violations | - |
| Zones | - | C1-C5, CM, M1-M3 |
| Buffer Distance | - | 700 ft from sensitive uses |
| Licenses | - | City DCR + state required |
| Social Equity | - | Priority in license lottery |
| Code Section | - | LAMC 104.04, 105.02 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Castaic FAQ
Can I open a dispensary in unincorporated LA County?
No. All commercial cannabis activities are prohibited in unincorporated LA County under Chapter 22.222. This includes dispensaries, cultivation facilities, manufacturing, and testing labs.
Can cannabis be delivered to unincorporated LA County?
Yes. Under state law (BPC 26090), licensed delivery services from dispensaries in other jurisdictions may deliver to addresses in unincorporated LA County.
Does the commercial ban affect personal use?
No. Adults 21+ can possess up to 28.5 grams of cannabis and grow up to 6 plants at home under Proposition 64 and state law, regardless of the commercial ban.
Los Angeles FAQ
Are dispensaries legal in LA?
Yes. LA has 800+ licensed dispensaries. Check DCR's website for licensed locations near you.
What is the Social Equity Program?
It prioritizes cannabis licenses for people from communities most impacted by the war on drugs.
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