Dispensary Zoning: Long Beach vs Santa Monica
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Long Beach and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Cannabis dispensaries in Long Beach are regulated under LBMC Ch. 5.92. The city allows 27-35 dispensaries total. Dispensaries cannot be within 600 ft of parks, libraries, or daycares, or within 1,000 ft of schools, beaches, or other dispensaries.
View full Long Beach rules →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Santa Monica limits medical cannabis retailers to 2 locations under SMMC §9.31.185 and Ch. 6.201. Dispensaries must be 600+ ft from schools, parks, libraries, daycares, and other dispensaries. Adult-use sales approved Sept 2025, with a 3% gross receipts tax.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Long Beach | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| Total Allowed | 27-35 dispensaries citywide | - |
| School Buffer | 1,000 ft | - |
| Park/Library Buffer | 600 ft | - |
| Code | LBMC Ch. 5.92, §5.92.420 | - |
| Medical Limit | - | 2 dispensaries max |
| Buffer | - | 600 ft from schools/parks/libraries |
| Adult-Use | - | Approved Sept 2025 |
| Tax | - | 3% of gross receipts |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Long Beach FAQ
Are dispensaries legal in Long Beach?
Yes. Long Beach has an active licensing program for cannabis retail in commercial and industrial zones.
What is the cannabis tax?
Long Beach imposes a 6% tax on gross receipts for retail cannabis operations.
Santa Monica FAQ
Are dispensaries legal in Santa Monica?
Yes. Santa Monica licenses a limited number of dispensaries in commercial zones.
How many dispensaries are there?
Santa Monica limits the number of cannabis retail licenses. Check city website for current licensed locations.
Compare other topics
See how Long Beach and Santa Monica compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool