The proposed amendments, officials say, will boost the local cannabis industry while addressing social equity concerns
The Santa Monica Planning Commission is advancing a bold overhaul of the city’s cannabis zoning regulations, set to allow retail marijuana sales across all non-residential districts starting in 2025.
The proposed amendments, currently under review, aim to streamline the permitting process by eliminating discretionary reviews, a move officials say will boost the local cannabis industry while addressing social equity concerns.
The initiative, detailed in a draft ordinance released this week, responds to evolving state laws and growing demand for legal marijuana sales. If approved by the City Council, the changes would permit cannabis retailers to operate in commercial and mixed-use zones without the lengthy approval processes that have historically delayed applications. The proposal also introduces a social equity program, targeting individuals and communities disproportionately affected by past cannabis-related criminalization.
Eligibility for the program hinges on criteria such as prior marijuana-related arrests or residency in economically disadvantaged areas. City officials emphasized that the initiative aligns with California’s broader push to rectify the social and economic impacts of the war on drugs.
Santa Monica’s move follows a trend among California cities rethinking cannabis regulations post-legalization. The city currently hosts a limited number of licensed dispensaries, but the new ordinance could double that figure within two years, according to city projections. Officials are also exploring caps on store numbers and mandatory security measures to address public safety concerns.
