Stockton Cannabis Policy
Cannabis Policy Amendment Project & Equity Assessment
The City is currently reviewing the Cannabis Regulatory Program and conducting a Cannabis Equity Assessment to bring improvements to the program by the end of 2021.
As a part of the effort, the public is encouraged to attend public/community meetings and complete the online survey to provide input regarding the amendments.
Virtual Community Meetings and Information
The City held a Virtual Community Meeting on May 3, 2021, to gather input from the public regarding the development of the City of Stockton Commercial Cannabis Equity Program.
Background - Stockton Cannabis Policy
On March 5, 2019, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2019-03-05-1501 enacting the regulatory program for commercial cannabis businesses. Commercial cannabis businesses include the cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, laboratory testing, delivery, or sale of cannabis or cannabis products provided for in the Stockton Municipal Code (SMC) and the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act of 2016 (Proposition 64).
This regulatory program is based on the City’s evaluation of changes to the SMC following voter approval of ballot Measures P and Q in the November 8, 2016, General Election. Changes were adopted as proposed.
- Measure P - Medical Marijuana Dispensaries & Cultivation
- Measure Q - Medical Cannabis Business License Tax
On June 27, 2017, the Governor signed into law Senate Bill 94, the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act, establishing a single system of administration for cannabis laws in California.
On November 7, 2017, City Council adopted Ordinance 2017-11-07-1502 for changes to the City’s medical cannabis businesses permitting program. This included banning nonmedical cannabis businesses. Adoption of the ordinance:
- addressed items referred by Council for reconsideration,
- implemented a ban on additional medical and other cannabis businesses,
- placed a ban on outdoor personal cultivation. and
- placed certain restrictions on indoor cultivation.
In April 2018, the City began a policy project to analyze current cannabis regulatory policy and to provide recommendations to Council in a phased approach on cultivation, retail (dispensary and delivery), testing, manufacturing, distribution, and equity. The City’s goal is to be transparent and equitable throughout the process.
On September 18, 2018, City Council adopted Ordinance 2018-18-1502 to allow medical cannabis dispensaries to sell adult-use cannabis and for medical cultivation businesses to grow adult-use cannabis.
- Allowable dispensaries within City limits increased from four to five dispensaries; and
- Allowable cultivation operator’s permits remain at four city-wide
On February 14, 2019, the Cannabis Ordinance Community Meeting Findings were presented to the Stockton Planning Commission and final recommendations presented to City Council on March 5, 2019. The City Council approved the introduction of the following business types: non-volatile manufacturing, volatile manufacturing, distribution, testing laboratories, non-storefront (delivery only), and microbusinesses. Additional cultivation and storefront retail (dispensary) permits and an equity program for the Commercial Cannabis Business Lottery were also approved.
In addition, City Council allowed permitted cannabis dispensaries to amend existing operator's permit to allow delivery. Permitted cannabis cultivators were granted the ability to add distribution, non-volatile manufacturing, and delivery by amending existing operator's permit and business licenses.
On July 16, 2019, City Council approved additional items to the Cannabis Regulatory Program:
- By-right and allowances for existing Cannabis Permit Operators including allowing Storefront Retail Businesses to engage in distribution and non-volatile manufacturing in Industrial Zones and allowing Cultivation Businesses to open a Storefront Retail in an Industrial Zone;
- location requirements now aligned with State requirements;
- tax rate information updated from a flat rate for Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis to be consistent with local tax rates for each business type;
- approval and permitting process streamlined; and
- Voluntary Workforce Diversity Program approved.
Stockton Municipal Code Sections for Commercial Cannabis Businesses
There are several sections within the Stockton Municipal Code that address aspects of Commercial Cannabis Businesses. For additional information, please refer to:
- SMC Title 5 - Chapter 5.98, 5.99, and 5.100
- Development Code Title 16 - Chapter 16.20, Section 16.20.020; Chapter 16.64, Section 16.64.040; Chapter 16.80, Section 16.80.195; and Chapter 16.240, Section 16.240.020
External Links
Bureau of Cannabis Control California
California Cannabis Industry Association
California Department of Food & Agriculture - CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing
California Department of Public Health - Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch
California Department of Tax & Fee Administration
California SB 535 Disadvantaged Communities
Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA)
National Cannabis Industry Association
This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 9/1/2022