Cannabis Licensing and Permitting System

The County is developing a licensing and permitting system for the Socially Equitable Cannabis Program (Cannabis Program). The licensing and permitting system will provide applicants with a process to apply for cannabis business licenses and other required permits. Here you will find information on the licensing and permitting system development process, receive updates, learn about past and future engagement opportunities, and provide feedback on draft ordinances, when available.

Background

On January 27, 2021 (4), the County Board of Supervisors directed staff to develop Zoning and Regulatory Code amendments to create a new legal cannabis market in the unincorporated County. The direction included the development of a new cannabis licensing and permitting system to support new cannabis facilities within the unincorporated County. On May 24, 2022 (21), the Board directed staff to explore the transition of the cannabis licensing program for the existing five dispensaries from the Sheriff’s Department to the Code Compliance Division of Planning and Development Services (PDS). On October 26, 2022 (6), the Board approved the transfer of the cannabis licensing program to PDS. PDS is currently developing the structure and procedures for the new cannabis permitting system.

How Do I Get Involved?

• Stay informed by reviewing the information on this site
• Share information with your communities
• Participate in the engagement tools on this site
• Contribute to the conversations at meetings
• Ask questions

To subscribe to the Cannabis Program email notification list, select “Stay Informed” (on the right for webpage users or scroll down for mobile users).