OVERVIEW
On February 15, 2022, the of Los Angeles (County) Board of Supervisors adopted a motion directing the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) and its Office of Cannabis Management (OCM), in collaboration with other departments, to begin the development and implementation of an equitable cannabis program.
A key component of the regulatory framework of the County’s equitable cannabis program will employ Title 8 (Consumer Protection, Business and Wage Regulations) of the Los Angeles County Code to allow a limited number of cannabis businesses in the unincorporated LA County, including retail, delivery, cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, testing, and microbusinesses. The program will also include a Draft Commercial Cannabis Ordinance with proposed land use regulations and development standards for commercial cannabis uses in Title 22 (Planning and Zoning). Title 22 amendments include updated definitions, zoning regulations, site plan review application requirements, required buffer distances, and specific plan amendments to provide a reasonable opportunity to access legal cannabis in unincorporated LA County while minimizing the potential for adverse impacts on communities and the environment.
HOW WILL COMMERCIAL CANNABIS BE PERMITTED?
Commercial cannabis uses must have both local approval and a state cannabis license to legally operate. The State Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) requires proof of a valid license, permit, or authorization from the local jurisdiction where the commercial cannabis use will be established. Therefore, any local permits issued by the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs will also require state licensing in addition to meeting all zoning regulations within Title 22.
WHAT ARE THE EXISTING CANNABIS REGULATIONS ?
On June 6, 2017, Ordinance No. 2017-0025 was adopted, banning commercial cannabis uses and activities in the unincorporated areas. The ordinance also established regulations for personal cannabis cultivation in conjunction with a legally established dwelling unit. Section 22.140.134 of the Zoning Code has been in effect since July 6, 2017. These regulations will remain in effect until the Board adopts an equitable cannabis program.
Existing Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2017-0025)
RESOURCES
Find information on the proposed ordinance documents, upcoming public meetings, and other updates on OCM’s project webpage: https://dcba.lacounty.gov/cannabis/eir/
CONTACT
Sign up here to get email updates from the Office of Cannabis Management or contact cannabis@lacounty.gov for more information.
The Draft Commercial Cannabis Ordinance applies only to unincorporated Los Angeles County. For information on cannabis regulations in a Los Angeles County city, please contact the city directly.
