Cannabis in Santa Monica

Santa Monica is preparing an ordinance to allow adult-use cannabis uses in the City, at the direction of City Council, including a cannabis social equity program tentatively scheduled for Planning Commission and City Council review in early 2025. Santa Monica's cannabis social equity program aims to address the disproportionate impact of cannabis criminalization on marginalized communities and provide opportunities for those who have been negatively affected by cannabis prohibition to participate in the legal industry.

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FAQ

Are cannabis uses currently allowed in Santa Monica?

Yes. Two cannabis retailers were permitted by the City Council as part of 2015 Zoning Ordinance update. No other cannabis uses are currently permitted.

Why allow adult-use cannabis uses in Santa Monica?

City Council has provided direction to permit a variety of adult-use cannabis uses in the City, starting with retail uses.

What is the timeline for this project?

An adult-use cannabis ordinance and cannabis social equity program will tentatively be adopted in 2025. Keep an eye for future updates and opportunities to participate.

What is cannabis social equity?

Social equity in cannabis seeks to recognize the long-term negative impact that the criminalization of cannabis has had on minority communities resulting from the enforcement of federal and state laws related to cannabis use and possession. The goal of cannabis social equity is to go beyond simply providing equal access to opportunities by developing an intentional program that helps ensure that the communities most impacted by federal and state cannabis enforcement policies are provided an opportunity to benefit from the newly legalized industry. Many cities and counties have sought to develop cannabis equity programs as a means for reducing barriers to entry into the commercial cannabis industry for communities and individuals most impacted by the war on drugs. For social equity programs to be meaningful, however, they must be based upon data to identify those communities within each jurisdiction that have historically been most adversely impacted.

How can I be involved and provide my input?

Take the cannabis social equity survey HERE or come to the upcoming community workshop on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 6:00 PM at the following location:

Ken Edwards Center

1527 4th Street, Room 105

Santa Monica, CA 90401