Ontario vs San Bernardino
How do dispensary zoning rules compare between Ontario, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Ontario and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario bans commercial cannabis retail, cultivation, manufacturing, and delivery storefronts citywide under OMC Chapter 9, while state law still permits pass-through delivery from licensed outside operators.
View full Ontario rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino allows licensed cannabis retail under Measure O (2018) in designated zones, at least 600 feet from schools, daycares, and youth centers. Operators need both a city permit and a state DCC license.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ontario | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Retail storefronts | Prohibited citywide | - |
| Cultivation/manufacturing | Prohibited | - |
| Delivery into city | Allowed from state licensees | - |
| Enforcement | Public nuisance; fines up to 1000 dollars per day | - |
| Contact | Planning (909) 395-2036 | - |
| Local authority | - | Measure O (2018) and Development Code 5.10 |
| State license | - | Required from Department of Cannabis Control |
| Sensitive use buffer | - | 600 feet from schools, daycares, youth centers |
| Unlicensed operation | - | Up to 30,000 dollars per day in penalties |
| Retail tax | - | Set by Measure O plus state excise and sales taxes |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ontario FAQ
Is there a dispensary in Ontario, California?
No. Ontario bans all cannabis retail, cultivation, and manufacturing. You can, however, receive delivery from a state-licensed retailer in a neighboring city.
What if I want to open a cannabis business in Ontario?
It is not permitted under OMC Chapter 9. Opening one would be a misdemeanor and public nuisance. Operators would need to seat their business in a city that allows it.
San Bernardino FAQ
How do I apply to open a dispensary in San Bernardino?
Applications are accepted through the Commercial Cannabis Business Permit process in the City Clerk and Community Economic Development offices, paired with a state DCC license. Prepare a security plan, site plan, and community benefit proposal.
Can I buy cannabis at any retail store in San Bernardino?
No. Only dispensaries with both a city Commercial Cannabis Business Permit and a state DCC license may sell. Check the DCC license search and the city published list before buying.
Are cannabis lounges or onsite consumption allowed?
Onsite consumption lounges are permitted statewide under AB 1175 subject to local approval. San Bernardino reviews such uses through the Development Code and Measure O permit process; at publication no consumption lounges were open citywide.
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