How to Apply for a Commercial Cannabis Retailer Business License

Ordinance Ord. No. 2828CCS & Ord. No. 2829CCS amending Chapter 6.200 and Section 9.31.095 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code updated the permitting process and operational conditions

for commercial cannabis uses. This allows adult-use cannabis retail businesses to open in specific non-residential areas.

Non-residential areas include:

· Downtown Districts

· Mixed-Use and Commercial Districts

· Bergamot Districts

· Employment Districts

· Oceanfront District

Zoning districts can be found on the City’s interactive zoning map here:

City of Santa Monica Public GIS Maps

To view the current status and locations of cannabis retailer applications in Santa Monica, please click the link City of Santa Monica Cannabis Application Status Map.

In accordance with state law, the local ordinance prohibits cannabis businesses within

600 feet of schools, youth centers, and day care centers licensed by the

State Department of Social Services. A general illustrative map of sensitive use buffers can be found here.

The sale of adult-use cannabis products is subject to the cannabis business tax at

4% of the Santa Monica gross receipts. The sale of medicinal cannabis products is subject

to the cannabis business tax at 2% of the Santa Monica gross receipts.

Note: Depending on the business activity and location, additional fees and assessments

may apply.

Please review the Cannabis Application Processing Flowchart for an outline of the

application processing steps. Application submittals will be accepted starting on

January 26, 2026, through the Business License Office as detailed below.

Additional information regarding the City’s Cannabis Program can be found here.

Jump to Section:

Fees Fees
FAQ FAQ

Review Applicable Laws and Regulations
+ -

Review and familiarize yourself with the Santa Monica Municipal Code
Chapter 6.200, section 9.31.095, and the Cannabis Administrative Regulations.
Gather Your Documents and Apply for Your Santa Monica Business License and Cannabis Retailer Permit
+ -

Complete your Santa Monica Business License Application for a Cannabis Retailer.
If you have any of the items listed below, please include them with your application. If you do not yet have all of the required items, you may still submit your application; however, it will remain incomplete until all documents are received.
The following documents must be submitted for an application to be deemed complete:
o   Indemnification Agreement
o   Proof of Insurance
o   Valid State Seller's Permit
o   All State-required Cannabis Permits. State law requires that cannabis
retailers also obtain a state license prior to operating. Please visit the
Department of Cannabis Control website for more information.
§ Security Plan
§ Waste Management Plan

§ Cash Management Plan
Submit Your Completed Application
+ -

Email the Completed Application and Supplemental Documentation to:

Business.License@santamonica.gov
Submit Your Payment
+ -

Once the application is processed by the Business License unit, you will receive an
email with instructions on how to pay the applicable taxes and fees.
Applicable City Review
+ -

When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment
is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for
review.
Approval of Business License Certificate and Cannabis Retailer Permit
+ -

If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate
will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with any local, county
or State regulations, then your business license will be denied.

Mail

Review Applicable Laws and Regulations
+ -

Review and familiarize yourself with the Santa Monica Municipal Code
Chapter 6.200, section 9.31.095, and the Cannabis Administrative Regulations.
Gather Your Documents and Apply for Your Santa Monica Business License and Cannabis Retailer Permit
+ -

Complete your Santa Monica Business License Application for a Cannabis Retailer.
If you have any of the items listed below, please include them with your application. If you do not yet have all of the required items, you may still submit your application; however, it will remain incomplete until all documents are received.
The following documents must be submitted for an application to be deemed complete:
o   Indemnification Agreement
o   Proof of Insurance
o   Valid State Seller's Permit
o   All State-required Cannabis Permits. State law requires that cannabis
retailers also obtain a state license prior to operating. Please visit the
Department of Cannabis Control website for more information.
§  Security Plan
§  Waste Management Plan
§  Cash Management Plan
Submit Your Completed Application
+ -

Mail the Completed Application and Supplemental Documentation to:
City of Santa Monica
Business License Unit
P.O. Box 2200
Santa Monica, CA 90407-2200
Submit Your Payment
+ -

Once the application is processed by the Business License unit, you will receive an
email with instructions on how to pay the applicable taxes and fees.
Applicable City Review
+ -

When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment
is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for
review.
Approval of Business License Certificate and Cannabis Retailer Permit
+ -

If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate
will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with any local, county
or State regulations, then your business license will be denied.

In-Person

Review Applicable Laws and Regulations
+ -

Review and familiarize yourself with the Santa Monica Municipal Code
Chapter 6.200, section 9.31.095, and the Cannabis Administrative Regulations.
Gather Your Documents and Apply for Your Santa Monica Business License and Cannabis Retailer Permit
+ -

Complete your Santa Monica Business License Application for a Cannabis Retailer.
If you have any of the items listed below, please include them with your application. If you do not yet have all of the required items, you may still submit your application; however, it will remain incomplete until all documents are received.
The following documents must be submitted for an application to be deemed complete:
o   Indemnification Agreement
o   Proof of Insurance
o   Valid State Seller's Permit
o   All State-required Cannabis Permits. State law requires that cannabis
retailers also obtain a state license prior to operating. Please visit the
Department of Cannabis Control website for more information.
§  Security Plan
§  Waste Management Plan
§  Cash Management Plan
Submit Your Completed Application
+ -

Applications can be accepted in person by appointment. Click HERE to make an
appointment. Bring your completed application and supplemental documentation
to the Business License office located at:

City of Santa Monica
1685 Main Street, City Hall East

Santa Monica, CA 90401
Submit Your Payment
+ -

Once the application is processed by the Business License unit, you will receive an
email with instructions on how to pay the applicable taxes and fees.
Applicable City Review
+ -

When the Business License unit deems the application is complete and payment
is received, the application will be routed to the appropriate City departments for
review.
Approval of Business License Certificate and Cannabis Retailer Permit
+ -

If the appropriate approvals are received, a business license certificate
will be issued. If your submission is not compliant with any local, county
or State regulations, then your business license will be denied.

Contact Us:

(310) 458-8745
business.license@santamonica.gov

FAQ

Can I apply to operate a cannabis business in Santa Monica?

Yes, effective January 26, 2026 an application to operate a cannabis business in Santa Moncia can be submitted to the Business License Office, as outlined above.

How long do I have to complete my cannabis application process in Santa Monica?

Applicants have two years from their submittal date to complete the process for permitting and licensing. The timeframe to complete the process begins when the application is submitted and payment is received. You may wish to review the application flowchart here.

Applicants have two years from the date of submittal to complete the permitting and licensing process. This timeframe begins once the application is submitted and payment has been received. For additional guidance, you may wish to review the application flowchart here.

What kind of cannabis businesses are permitted in Santa Monica?

Currently only cannabis retailers are permitted. This includes both storefront and non-storefront (delivery only) retailers.

Is cannabis legal in California?

Under the Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA), a person 21 years of age or older may now possess, process, transport, purchase or give away to persons 21 years of age or older not more than 28.5 grams of cannabis in the non-concentrated form and not more than 8 grams of cannabis in a concentrated form including cannabis products (like edibles and extracts).

A person 21 years or older may cultivate non-medicinal cannabis within a private residence for personal use. AUMA provides that local governments can reasonably regulate, but cannot ban the personal indoor cultivation of up to six non-medicinal cannabis plants per private residence. A “residence” is defined as a house, an apartment unit, a mobile home, or other similar residential dwelling. No matter how many persons over 21 years of age are living in a “residence,” only six living plants may be cultivated at one time.

This includes cultivation in a greenhouse that is on the property of the residence but not physically part of the home, as long as it is fully enclosed, secure, and not visible from a public space. Because this activity is not subject to state licensing requirements, individuals may engage in personal indoor cultivation beginning November 9, 2016, unless a city enacts an ordinance imposing a reasonable regulatory scheme that would preclude them from doing so before complying with the city’s regulatory requirements. At this time, Santa Monica has not imposed any regulations on personal cultivation.

Can I deliver Cannabis into Santa Monica if I do not have a Santa Monica Cannabis Retailer permit?

The City of Santa Monica permits cannabis delivery and requires that a business license and Non-City-Based Cannabis Delivery Permit be acquired to deliver within the City. Please visit How to Apply for an Out-of-City Cannabis Delivery Business License for more information

Can I add Cannabidiol (CBD) to food without obtaining a state license or a local Cannabis Retailer permit?

No. Currently CBD is regulated no differently than any other cannabis product under local law and therefore may only be sold by a licensed cannabis retailer. The City is currently reviewing its policies related to CBD only products.

What is the limit on the number of applications accepted?

There is no limit on how many applications will be accepted nor how many cannabis permits will be issued.

Where should we direct questions about our equity status or our potential location in Santa Monica?

311@santamonica.gov is the best email address for these inquiries.

When will you stop accepting applications?

We will not stop accepting applications as there is no limit on how many applications we can accept.

How many applications can one entity submit?

There is no limit on how many applications we can accept.

Does the business need to have an address to apply?

Yes, all Santa Monica Business License applications, including cannabis equity applicants, require a physical location to apply. Applications for cannabis retailers will need a Santa Monica address, but applications for delivery may use an out of City business address.

Will there be a preliminary approval letter issued for the applicant?

Yes, since this letter is required for the State of CA cannabis retailers license, we will send out the letter via email once the requirements are met.

What are the requirements for submittal?

If you have any of the items listed above under step 2 of the application process, please include them with your application. If you do not yet have all the required items, you may still submit your application; however, it will remain incomplete until all documents are received.

Can the State Permits be submitted at a later date due to the “local first, State second” rule?

Yes, you may submit the application with any supplemental documents you have ready, but not all are required to apply. Your application will be incomplete until all requirements are met.

What is the best way to submit our application?

Please submit your application and any supporting documentation you have ready to our email address for fastest processing: business.license@santamonica.gov

What is the estimated time for processing cannabis applications?

Because there are multiple application requirements that must be satisfied before a business license application can be considered complete, we are unable to provide a specific timeframe for issuance. Our goal is to review all submitted items promptly and ensure the necessary evaluations are completed in a timely manner.

Cannabis Retailer Permit Application, 4 inspections all at different amounts. (Fee is waived for equity applicants):	$1,991.84
Planning Commercial Zoning Review Fee:	$109.23
Business License Minimum Tax (non-profit businesses exempt):	$75.00
Processing Fee (non-profit businesses exempt):	$40.00
State Mandated CASp Fee:	$4.00

Jump to Section:

Continue the Process:

Review Applicable Laws and Regulations

Gather Your Documents and Apply for Your Santa Monica Business License and Cannabis Retailer Permit

Submit Your Completed Application

Submit Your Payment

Applicable City Review

Approval of Business License Certificate and Cannabis Retailer Permit

Review Applicable Laws and Regulations

Gather Your Documents and Apply for Your Santa Monica Business License and Cannabis Retailer Permit

Submit Your Completed Application

Submit Your Payment

Applicable City Review

Approval of Business License Certificate and Cannabis Retailer Permit

Review Applicable Laws and Regulations

Gather Your Documents and Apply for Your Santa Monica Business License and Cannabis Retailer Permit

Submit Your Completed Application

Submit Your Payment

Applicable City Review

Approval of Business License Certificate and Cannabis Retailer Permit

Contact Us:

2025-26 Summary for New Applicants Cost - Depending on the business activity and location, additional fees and/or assessments may apply.