Marijuana Dispensaries in Santa Monica

Are there Marijuana Dispensaries in Santa Monica?

There is a licensed medical marijuana dispensary currently operating in Santa Monica. In 2016, adult-use marijuana became legal in California through Proposition 64. However, Santa Monica City Council passed Ordinance No. 2556 in 2017, banning recreational cannabis dispensaries in the city. The Ordinance approved the creation of only two medical cannabis retailers, which are only accessible to medical patients in the city. In addition, the Ordinance prohibits approved dispensaries from conducting businesses within 600 feet of daycare facilities, schools, parks, libraries, or other medical cannabis retailers. Adult-use marijuana retailers may begin to operate in Santa Monica after residents voted in support of the Santa Monica Measure HMP in November 2022.

Are there Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Santa Monica?

Yes, the only medical marijuana dispensary in Santa Monica opened in 2021. California legalized medical marijuana through the Compassionate Use Act in 1996, but the City Council banned medical cannabis dispensaries until 2017. The licensed dispensary in Santa Monica sells cannabis products only to patients with valid medical marijuana cards. Such patients must be California residents and 18 or older. Minors certified by physicians may also access the city’s medical marijuana dispensary through primary caregivers licensed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

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

Yes, Santa Monica residents can buy cannabis products from weed dispensaries online. Chapter 9.31.185(F) of the Santa Monica Municipal Code also permits the delivery of medical marijuana to registered patients. Recreational marijuana customers can order cannabis products online and visit the dispensary in person to receive the package.

Visiting a Dispensary in Santa Monica

Patients registered in the California Medical Marijuana Program can visit the dispensary in Santa Monica. Such patients must provide their medical marijuana cards before entering the dispensary premises. Note that marijuana dispensaries in Santa Monica and other cities in California only accept cash payments. Also, adults without medical recommendations cannot enter the medical marijuana dispensary in Santa Monica.

Santa Monica Dispensary Laws

Per Chapter 9.31.185 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code (SMMC), medical dispensaries must obtain conditional use permits and local business licenses. Dispensaries must also register with the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) at the state level. After obtaining appropriate licenses and permits, Santa Monica dispensaries must abide by the following regulations:

• Approved dispensaries must not open a cannabis store within 600 ft. of a school, another cannabis dispensary, library, or day-care facilities
• Dispensaries must not recommend medical marijuana on-site
• Dispensaries may only sell cannabis products cultivated in California
• Prospective dispensaries must submit security plans to the Santa Monica Police Department for review and approval
• Dispensaries must not sell or allow the consumption of alcohol or tobacco on their premises
• Employees at marijuana dispensaries must be aged 21 or older

Recreational Laws in Santa Monica

The Adult Use of Marijuana Act of 2016 legalized recreational marijuana in Santa Monica and other California cities. According to the Act, residents aged 21 or older can possess up to one ounce of marijuana flower. Other cannabis products legal in Santa Monica include cannabis concentrates and marijuana-infused edibles. It is also legal to cultivate up to six cannabis plants at home for personal use only. Santa Monica residents can only consume marijuana in private residences. In addition, marijuana products must remain sealed in a container while driving.

Medical Cannabis Laws in Santa Monica

Santa Monica adopts California’s medical marijuana laws, which allow patients diagnosed with any of the eligible medical conditions to apply for medical marijuana. Minors may also apply for the medical marijuana program through designated caregivers. Registered patients and caregivers can possess the prescribed amount of cannabis products. They can also cultivate marijuana at home for personal use only.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Santa Monica

To get a medical marijuana card in Santa Monica, residents must take the following steps:

1. First, make an appointment with a licensed physician for a medical examination
2. If diagnosed with any of the eligible medical conditions, get a written medical recommendation signed by the physician
3. After getting the medical recommendation, the patient may complete the Medical Marijuana Program Application
4. Contact the Department of Public Health in Los Angeles to make an appointment and complete the application process
5. On the appointment day, the applicant should bring the medical recommendation, valid ID (state-issued ID or driver’s license), and proof of residency (utility bill or mortgage agreement)
6. Submit all required documents and pay the necessary fees

Where is it Legal to Consume Cannabis in Santa Monica?

Santa Monica residents can consume cannabis in private residences. It is also legal to use marijuana in hotels, rented apartments, or workplaces that permit cannabis consumption. On the other hand, marijuana consumption in public places and while driving is illegal in Santa Monica. Since marijuana is illegal in the U.S., consuming cannabis on federal properties within Santa Monica’s borders is illegal.

How to Buy Cannabis at a Santa Monica Dispensary

Santa Monica dispensary only provides medical marijuana to registered patients and caregivers. Hence, consumers must bring their medical marijuana cards to buy cannabis products at the local dispensary. They should also bring sufficient cash to pay for the products.

The Average Price in Santa Monica

The average price of marijuana flowers sold in the medical marijuana dispensary in Santa Monica is $200 per ounce. Some premium or high-quality cannabis flowers cost about $300 per ounce.

Most Popular Strains in Santa Monica

Popular cannabis strains in Santa Monica include Runtz, Lava Dawg, Banana OG, Blueberry Ice Cream, Sour Face, Sunshine 4, Garlic Mintz, and Lamb’s Bread.

Can You Smoke in Public in Santa Monica?

No. According to SMMC Chapter 4.44.020, marijuana smoking is illegal in public places like the beach, park, Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade, and any public building.

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

In Santa Monica, adults aged 21 or older can possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana flower or 8 grams of cannabis concentrate at once. Registered patients residing in Santa Monica can possess any amount of cannabis products, depending on their prescriptions.

Can I Ship Cannabis in Santa Monica?

No. Although marijuana is now legal in Santa Monica and other California cities, it is still illegal in the U.S. As a result, shipping cannabis is illegal according to federal laws.

Can I Order Cannabis Online in Santa Monica?

Santa Monica residents can order cannabis products online. Generally, marijuana dispensaries within and outside Santa Monica often allow people to shop cannabis products online through their websites. When purchasing online, note that cannabis delivery in Santa Monica is only legal for registered patients and caregivers. Recreational users buying marijuana online may visit the physical store to pick up such cannabis products.

Are there 24-hour Dispensaries in Santa Monica?

No. Per SMMC Chapter 9.31.185(D), the medical marijuana dispensary in Santa Monica can only operate between 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. Operational hours on Sundays must be between 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Can Tourists Use Dispensaries in Santa Monica?

No. Santa Monica medical marijuana dispensary is for patients and caregivers only. Such persons must be California residents and must have medical marijuana cards to use the local cannabis dispensary.

Do You Need ID for Dispensary in Santa Monica?

Yes. Providing a valid ID at the Santa Monica dispensary is good proof of residency. The state-issued ID or driver’s license are two generally acceptable means of identification.

Best Dispensaries in Santa Monica

The only dispensary in Santa Monica as of January 2024 is the Local Cannabis Company.

Do Dispensaries Scan your ID in Santa Monica?

Yes. The Santa Monica dispensary scans customers’ IDs to verify their age and residency status. ID scanning also helps dispensaries to detect fake or invalid identity cards.

How Many Dispensaries are in Santa Monica?

Presently, there is only one medical marijuana dispensary in Santa Monica.

Can Dispensaries in Santa Monica Take Credit Cards?

No. Approved dispensaries do not take credit cards due to federal restrictions on all marijuana dispensaries nationwide.

How Many Dispensaries Can You Visit in One Day in Santa Monica?

In California, there is no limit to the number of dispensaries a marijuana consumer can visit in one day. However, there is only one approved dispensary in Santa Monica. Also, the dispensary will only provide prescribed cannabis products to residents with state-issued medical marijuana cards.

Do Dispensaries in Santa Monica Take Health Insurance?

No. Due to federal restrictions on marijuana, the dispensary in Santa Monica does not take health insurance from customers.

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

Yes. The Santa Monica dispensary tracks cannabis transactions using the California Cannabis Track and Trace (CCTT) system.

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

Yes. The medical marijuana dispensary in Santa Monica is accessible to registered patients who are 18 years or older. Patients below 18 can enter the approved dispensary together with their designated caregivers.

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

Santa Monica residents can use the contact information available on the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) website to reach the city’s cannabis regulator’s contact.

How Do I Report Illegal Cannabis Activities in Santa Monica?

Residents can report illegal cannabis activities to the Santa Monica City Police Department by email or at (310) 395-9931. The DCC also provides an Online Complaint Entry System for reporting illegal cannabis activities in Santa Monica