June 29, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Recreational Marijuana Sales to Expand in Santa Monica After Zoning Changes

A Cannabis Social Equity Program Could Apply to Two Medicinal Cannabis Retailers in the City

By Zach Armstrong

Approved changes to Santa Monica’s zoning code are set to bolster retail sales of recreational marijuana within the city. 

As part of the changes, approved during city council’s Oct. 24 meeting, “adult-use” cannabis sales and delivery are allowed for Local Cannabis Co. and Harvest of Santa Monica, the two medicinal cannabis retailers in the city with active Conditional Use Permits. An Interim Zoning Ordinance was also approved that eliminates some requirements and allows medicinal retailers within Santa Monica to deliver, cultivate and sell adult-use cannabis or products to those at least 21-years-old.  

A 3% tax of gross receipts is placed for adult-use cannabis sales. The “cannabis business tax” those sales are subject to was recently approved in a measure by 66% of Santa Monica voters and could be adjusted by city council but can’t go higher than 10% unless approved by voters. 

A cannabis social equity program, also recently approved, could apply to the two aforementioned medicinal cannabis retailers. The goal of the program is for communities most impacted by marijuana enforcement policies to benefit from a growing cannabis industry. Implementation of council direction is forthcoming, according to a release from the city.

In 2015, the City adopted regulations that enabled up to two medical marijuana retailers within Santa Monica subject to a regulated selection process while all other cannabis uses were prohibited. One of the selected retailers, Local Cannabis Co., recently opened at 925 Wilshire Blvd. while Harvest of Santa Monica, located at 1416 Wilshire Blvd., is undergoing a permitting process. During a June study session, council discussed policy changes for adult-use cannabis and other non-retail marijuana businesses, and directed an ordinance be created to allow two previously approved Medicinal Cannabis Retailers to sell adult-use products.

“Expanding adult-use cannabis retail in the City can also help with economic recovery efforts.” stated a staff report on the zoning changes. “The economic impacts of the COVID-19 closures of, and limitations on, businesses and resulting behavior changes continue to affect the local Santa Monica economy. As the commercial and economic landscape evolves, the City’s economic recovery and competitive advantage will depend on its ability to deliver on a diverse range of unique dining, retail, commercial, and entertainment uses and other revenue streams.”

in Hard, News
<>Related Posts

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Park: “Our Water Infrastructure Must Be Emergency-Ready Every Day”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Councilwoman expressed cautious relief at the news but emphasized the need for robust infrastructure The Los Angeles Department of Water...

Washington Square Pizza Opens to the Public

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

New York Style Pizza “By-The-Slice” Now at the Beach By Nick Antonicello  Washington Square Pizza formally opened its doors today...

California Allocates $5B for Road Repairs, Transit Expansion

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The funding aims to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and promote cleaner transportation California is investing nearly $5 billion...

THIS SUNDAY: Palisades Symphony Presents “Best of Broadway”

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

The performance will feature a full orchestra playing iconic selections, from John Philip Sousa’s *El Capitan* and George Gershwin’s *The...

LAPD Updates Immigration FAQ to Clarify Enforcement Role

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

The document, available in English and Spanish, outlines the department’s policies and limits regarding immigration status The Los Angeles Police...

Three Santa Monica College Student Films Selected for International Film Festival

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

The LA Shorts International Film Festival, the city’s longest-running shorts festival, screens over 350 films annually and draws 10,000 attendees...

EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles Returns with Star Chefs, Firefighter Tribute, and Wildfire Relief Efforts

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Culinary Festival Features Exclusive Restaurant Collabs, Support for Small Businesses  EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles, the celebrated food festival curated by The...

Suspect Charged by Los Angeles DA with Shooting of Santa Monica Cop and Teens

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Faces Attempted Murder Charges and Over 100 Years to Life in Prison if Convicted. Criminal charges have been filed against...

Muscle Beach History Pop-Up Exhibit to be Presented at Pier 360 Festival

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Visitors can view historical photographs, explore iconic stories, and watch a short documentary highlighting its athletic legacy The Santa Monica...

(Video) Welcome to the Urban Jungle — where nature meets the city and style meets soul

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

Whether you’re chasing that gritty city energy or carving out a green oasis in your space, we’re here to help...

Film Review: Materialists

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

FILM REVIEWMATERIALISTSRated R116 MinutesReleased June 13th Materialists is a story about relationships and commitments underscored by a question of depth....

Homeless Man Identified as Suspect in Recent WAYMO and Santa Monica Place Shootings

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

The suspect is being held at Santa Monica Jail with bail set at $1,000,000 Authorities have identified the suspect arrested...

Gladstones to Reopen After Suffering Partial Fire Damage, Offers Discounts to Locals

June 26, 2025

June 26, 2025

The eatery returns with a remodeled deck designed by an award-winning architect and a new mural Gladstones, a beloved seaside...