What to know before you start 

You must be a verified Socially Equitable Cannabis Program applicant to submit a new application. The application window opens on October 5, 2026. Only verified applicants can apply until October 2029. See Get verified as a Social Equity applicant. 

This is for a license in unincorporated San Diego County.

You must get a cannabis license from the California Department of Cannabis Control before the County can issue a local license. 

License types you can apply for 

  • Storefront retail 
  • Storefront retail with consumption lounge 
  • Non-storefront retail 
  • Distribution 
  • Cultivation 
  • Manufacturing 
  • Testing laboratory 
  • Microbusiness 
  • Temporary cannabis events

Where you can locate a cannabis business 

Cannabis businesses operating in the unincorporated areas of the County must follow zoning requirements. Some of the requirements are: 

  • It must be at least 600 feet away from sensitive uses (schools, day cares, youth centers). 
  • Outdoor and mixed light cultivation must be 100 feet from all lot lines. 
  • Outdoor and mixed light cultivation must be 300 feet from legally established dwellings. 
  • You cannot grow on land with slopes of 25% grade or more. 
  • Temporary Cannabis Events must be 600 feet from residential zones. 

Check if a property might be allowed to have a cannabis business.

Sensitive uses 

Sensitive uses include schools, day cares, and youth centers. This may include:

  • Transitional kindergarten
  • K–12 school sites
  • Preschools
  • Youth recreational facilities
  • Amusement parks
  • Similar places that serve youth 

Steps to get a cannabis business license 

Guidelines 

Submit only the materials required for the phase you are currently in. Do not submit documents for later phases until you complete all requirements for your current phase. 

Phase 1. Verify you are eligible

  1. Review Phase I Guidance Document 
  2. Submit your Phase I – PDS Cannabis Application, At Risk Form, and eligibility documents. 

Phase 2: Technical review and permitting 

  1. Review the Phase II Guidance Document 
  2. Submit the Phase II – PDS Cannabis Application with detailed facility plans and required reports to Cannabis Licensing, Zoning, Building, and other applicable departments

You may need additional permits and reviews depending on how complex your project is. 

Phase 3: Final inspection and local license issuance 

  1. Review Phase III Guidance Document 
  2. Submit Phase III – PDS Cannabis Application  
  3. Provide proof of a valid license from the California Department of Cannabis Control. 

Get verified as a Social Equity applicant 

The Social Equity Program helps people impacted by past cannabis enforcement participate in the regulated market. It also offers support with expungement assistance, business training, technical help, and investment in impacted communities. 

Current application status 

Applications for the Social Equity Program are currently closed. We expect to accept applications again in late 2026 or early 2027.  

Eligibility tiers 

Tier A

Incarcerated for a San Diego County arrest or conviction for cannabis-related crimes that occurred before November 8, 2016. 

Tier B

Deported, arrested, or convicted for cannabis-related crimes that occurred before November 8, 2016, and low income (80% or below of the Area Median Income for San Diego County, as determined by HUD. See chart of limits.). 

Documents you need for social equity eligibility 

  • Two forms of valid ID. At least one must be a photo ID. 
  • Documentation of your arrest, conviction, deportation, or incarceration. 
  • For Tier B, proof of meeting the low-income criteria. 

Past drawings and grant awards 

  • September 2026 – 13 social equity applicants received the opportunity to start a cannabis storefront retail business. 
  • May 2026 – 23 social equity applicants were awarded $50,000 each in grant funding for cannabis business startup costs. 
  • September 2024 – 10 social equity applicants were awarded $28,000 each in grant funding for cannabis business startup costs. 

Contact us 

For help with the application process

For help with the Social Equity Program 

Page last updated September 22, 2026