General Information
Cannabis laws and policies are continuously evolving, both in the City of Los Angeles and in the State of California. These laws affect businesses and consumers alike, so DCR recommends members of the public stay up to date on the latest cannabis laws and policies within the City. They can do so by referencing Articles 4,5, and 6 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC), signing up for DCR email alerts, or reading the summaries below.
Ordinance Number 188451 amends various sections of Article 4, Chapter X of the Los Angeles Municipal Code regarding the regulation of Commercial Cannabis Activity.
Cannabis Procedures
Authorized commercial cannabis activity in Los Angeles includes cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, testing, retail storefront and retail delivery. Cannabis licenses from the city and state are required to operate in the City of Los Angeles. Outdoor commercial cannabis cultivation, consumption lounges, and temporary events are currently prohibited. Additional information on the City’s cannabis laws and permitted activities can be read in Article 4, Chapter X of the Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC).
Specific LAMC Sections
Cannabis Location Restrictions
Commercial cannabis activity is restricted to locations as defined in SEC.105.02. of the LAMC. Commercial cannabis retailers and microbusinesses must be located outside of a 700-foot radius of Sensitive Use areas and any other cannabis retail or microbusiness premises. Indoor cultivation centers, level 1 manufacturers, testing facilities, and distributors must be located outside of a 600-foot radius of a school, while level 2 manufacturers must abide by this restriction and also be located outside of a 200-foot radius of any residentially zoned property.
Cannabis Advertising
In Los Angeles, cannabis businesses are prohibited from advertising in any publicly visible location within 700 feet of any school, public park, public library, alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility, day care center, or permanent supportive housing centers. Additional laws relating to cannabis advertising can be read in Article 6, Chapter X of the City Code.
Cannabis Taxation
Every person in the City with a license that’s engaged in the sale of cannabis or cannabis products is subject to a local business tax. These taxes are separate from any State taxes. Local tax rates vary by license and activity type and can be found in SEC.21.51. of the LAMC or on the Office of Finance website.
Cannabis Fees and Fines
There are a number of fees associated with opening and operating a cannabis business in Los Angeles. They include application and license filing, license renewals, environmental assessments, notices, meetings, hearing and notice filings, public convenience or necessity filings, modification filings, and non-compliance fees. For more information on fee amounts and types, reference SEC.104.19. of the LAMC.
License Renewal
Licenses must be renewed on an annual basis. Additional information on license renewals can be found in SEC.104.12. of the LAMC.