Marijuana Dispensaries in Santa Barbara

Are there Marijuana Dispensaries in Santa Barbara?

Yes. Locals and tourists in Santa Barbara can find recreational marijuana dispensaries in Santa Barbara. According to Chapter 9.44 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code, commercial cannabis businesses, including recreational marijuana dispensaries, are allowed to operate in the city.

Are there Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Santa Barbara?

Yes. There are medical marijuana retail outlets in Santa Barbara. Chapter 30.185.250 of the Santa Barbara Municipal Code makes a provision for the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city.

Can You Buy Cannabis from Online Weed Dispensaries in Santa Barbara?

Yes. You can order cannabis from online weed dispensaries in Santa Barbara.

Visiting a Dispensary in Santa Barbara

You can find both medical and recreational marijuana dispensaries in the City of Santa Barbara. However, not all persons are allowed to enter cannabis dispensaries in Santa Barbara. Only persons with valid California-issued medical marijuana cards and individuals with acceptable IDs showing they are of legal age (21) may enter Santa Barbara dispensaries.

After scaling the entrance hurdle, you can look around the dispensary area to find the products you want. If you need to know which products to select, you can seek a recommendation from the dispensary attendant or budtender.

Note that prices will vary depending on the product type (medical or recreational), the product form (edibles, flowers, topicals, or tinctures), and the dispensary when you intend to purchase. Purchases will be completed using cash, as cannabis retailers do not typically accept credit cards. However, some stores permit debit cash purchases. You can use an on-site ATM to withdraw cash for your purchase if you do not have cash.

Santa Barbara Dispensary Laws

Cannabis dispensaries are allowed to operate in Santa Barbara. The following laws pertain to the operations of such businesses in the City of Santa Barbara:

• Only persons or entities that have obtained valid commercial cannabis business permits from the City of Santa Barbara and the State of California cannabis retail license may operate dispensaries in the city
• No cannabis retailer may be located 1,000 feet from another cannabis storefront retailer or 600 feet from a school, daycare center, or youth center
• Prior to dispensing medicinal cannabis or medicinal cannabis products to any person, a medical marijuana dispensary must obtain verification from the recommending physician that the person requesting medicinal cannabis or medicinal cannabis products is a qualified patient and must maintain a copy of the physician's recommendation or ID Card
• Dispensaries selling medicinal cannabis must verify the age and all necessary documentation of each customer to ensure the customer is not under the age of 18 years and that the potential customer has a valid doctor’s recommendation
• Adult use retailers must verify the age of all customers to ensure persons under the age of 21 are not permitted on the premises
• Cannabis may not be consumed by anyone on the premises of any commercial cannabis business
• Dispensaries must have electronic point-of-sale software systems, which provide and include inventory tracking and management capabilities and must be used to track and report on all aspects of the commercial cannabis business
• Medical marijuana dispensaries' operation hours may only be between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday only

Recreational Laws in Santa Barbara

Recreational cannabis laws in Santa Barbara, as obtained under the California Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA), include the following:

• Adults aged 21 and older are permitted to possess, consume, and grow marijuana for recreational reasons, subject to certain restrictions. Adults may cultivate up to six marijuana plants at home, but the cultivation must take place in a safe, secure area
• Adults over the age of 21 may share cannabis with other adults within the legal possession limits if the recipient is likewise at least 21 years old. However, no remuneration or exchange or any item of value may be involved in the transfer
• It is illegal to consume marijuana in public and on government property
• It is unlawful to smoke marijuana in locations where tobacco smoking is prohibited under California law
• Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal

Medical Cannabis Laws in Santa Barbara

The medical marijuana laws in operation in the City of Santa Barbara include the following:

• Persons suffering from any of the approved conditions under the California Compassionate Use Act (CUA) can register with the state to access medical marijuana
• Minors with qualifying debilitating conditions can also access medical cannabis by designating adult Californians as caregivers to administer medical cannabis to them
• Patients who opt to obtain medical marijuana cards under the optional California Medical Marijuana Identification Program (MMICP) are exempt from sales tax when purchasing medical marijuana and medical marijuana products
• Registered patients can have up to 8 ounces of cannabis and cultivate 12 immature and six mature cannabis plants indoors or outdoors, subject to certain restrictions

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Santa Barbara

By applying to the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (SBCPHD), qualified cannabis patients in the City of Santa Barbara can obtain California medical marijuana identification cards. First, you must get a medical marijuana certification from a California physician attesting that medical marijuana is recommended for the treatment of your condition. After, schedule an appointment with the SBCPHD by calling the department at (805) 681-5151 or (805) 681-5150.

At your appointment with the SBCPHD, you will be required to submit the following:

• Completed medical marijuana application form
• A completed CDPH 9044 form
• An MMIC Program Doctor Attestation Form completed by your physician
• Valid and original government-issued photo identification
• Proof of residence in the City of Santa Barbara
• A $42 application fee or $21 fee if you are a Medi-Cal beneficiary

It may take up to 40 days to receive your medical marijuana card after submitting your application. For more inquiries on obtaining a medical marijuana card in Santa Barbara, visit the SBCPHD at:

Public Health Department

Office of Vital Records

345 Camino del Remedio

3rd Floor, Building 4, Room 320

Santa Barbara, CA 93110

Where is it Legal to Consume Cannabis in Santa Barbara?

Public marijuana consumption is prohibited in Santa Barbara, and cannabis users are allowed to use cannabis on private properties.

How to Buy Cannabis at a Santa Barbara Dispensary

You need a California medical marijuana card, a government-issued ID card, and cash to purchase medical cannabis at a Santa Barbara medical marijuana dispensary. Only cash and a valid government-issued ID are required to buy recreational cannabis at a Santa Barbara adult-use dispensary.

The Average Price of Cannabis in Santa Barbara

One gram of cannabis in Santa Barbara costs between $15 and $20.

Most Popular Strains in Santa Barbara

The most popular cannabis strains in Santa Barbara are:

• Northern Lights
• Pineapple Express
• Wedding Cake
• Skywalker OG

Can You Smoke in Public in Santa Barbara?

No. You cannot smoke or vape cannabis in public areas as it is an offense in Santa Barbara.

How Much Marijuana Can You Possess at Once in Santa Barbara?

According to the MAUCRSA, individuals of legal age (21) in Santa Barbara are permitted to have a maximum of 28 grams of marijuana and 8 grams of cannabis-infused products. Meanwhile, medical marijuana patients in the city are allowed to have up to 8 ounces of medical cannabis.

Can I Ship Cannabis to Santa Barbara?

No. It is illegal to take cannabis across state lines in or out of Santa Barbara.

Can I Order Cannabis Online in Santa Barbara?

Yes, you can order cannabis online in Santa Barbara.

Are there 24-hour Dispensaries in Santa Barbara?

There are no 24-hour dispensaries in the city.

Can Tourists Use Dispensaries in Santa Barbara?

Tourists in the City of Santa Barbara with valid government-issued IDs can use recreational cannabis dispensaries in the city but are not allowed to enter Santa Barbara medical marijuana dispensaries.

Do You Need ID for Dispensary in Santa Barbara?

Yes. To enter a cannabis dispensary that sells adult-use cannabis in the City of Santa Barbara, it is required that you present a government-issued identification that verifies that you are 21 years of age or older. To buy medical marijuana, you must show a California medical marijuana card and a valid government-issued ID.

Best Dispensaries in Santa Barbara

Farmacy and Coastal Dispensary are top-rated cannabis dispensaries in Santa Barbara.

Do Dispensaries Scan your ID in Santa Barbara?

Yes. Santa Barbara cannabis dispensaries scan customers’ IDs per state and local law.

How Many Dispensaries are in Santa Barbara?

There are at least five dispensaries in Santa Barbara.

Can Dispensaries in Santa Barbara Take Credit Cards?

Cannabis purchases in Santa Barbara cannabis dispensaries are typically completed using cash, and credit cards are not accepted. You can use an on-site ATM to withdraw cannabis if you do not have cash at the facility.

How Many dispensaries Can You Visit in One Day?

California and Santa Barbara laws do not limit the number of cannabis dispensaries you may visit in a single day.

Do Dispensaries in Santa Barbara Take Health Insurance?

Santa Barbara dispensaries do not take health insurance.

Do Dispensaries in Santa Barbara Track How Much Weed You Buy?

Yes. Santa Barbara dispensaries track cannabis purchases according to state and local law to ensure buyers do not exceed stipulated limits.

Can You Enter a Dispensary in Santa Barbara at Age 18?

In Santa Barbara, access to a marijuana dispensary is restricted to individuals at least 21 years old and can provide a valid government-issued ID. However, if you are 18 years of age and have a medical recommendation, you may enter a medical cannabis dispensary in the city.

Where Can I Find the Santa Barbara Cannabis Regulator’s Contact Information?

The California Department of Cannabis Control regulates cannabis operations in the City of Santa Barbara. You may contact the DCC using the information on the contact page of its website.

How Do I Report Illegal Cannabis Activities in Santa Barbara?

You can report illegal cannabis activities in Santa Barbara by filing a complaint to the California DCC and the Santa Barbara Police Department. To contact the city police department, call (805) 882-8900.