Retail Licenses

Retail Sales Licensing

The Board of Supervisors adopted County Code 7.130 on August 2, 2016 and amended it on November 7, 2017. The ordinance approved the licensing of twelve retail outlets (dispensaries) which are allowed to sell cannabis and cannabis products for either medical or recreational use in the unincorporated area of the County. Operation of a dispensary without a license is illegal. A copy of the County Code is available here.

A list of the twelve licensed retail outlets is available here. Dispensaries renew their licenses annually in December and are subject to re-inspection and an annual Live Scan process as well as review of renewal application materials.

In addition to a local license from the County, a license is also required from the State of California. For more information, visit the Bureau of Cannabis Control by clicking here. To conduct a state license search, click here.

It is not anticipated that the County will seek to license any additional retail outlets for cannabis and cannabis product sales. If you are concerned about illegal sales of cannabis goods, please fill out a complaint form by clicking here.

Cannabis Delivery Services

Only retail sales outlets licensed by the County of Santa Cruz may deliver cannabis and cannabis products to clients within the unincorporated area of the County. Not all of the twelve licensed dispensaries have delivery services. Please check the link above to determine if a licensed retail site can also provide delivery service.

Documents for Annual Renewal for Retail License

The annual renewal process for retail dispensaries is underway. Everyone with a financial interest in your organization is required to do a Live Scan. Please download the correct documents based on your situation (see the checklist) and complete them. (Many of them are PDF fillable forms). All forms must be returned by Friday, November 16, 2018 to Melodye.Serino@santacruzcounty.us Once we receive all of your forms we will schedule a site inspection. For questions, contact Melody Serino at 454-3412.

• CLO 1003 - Cannabis Verify Live Scan Service
• CLO 1004 - Cannabis Live Scan Request
• CLO 1005 - Cannabis Background Information Form
• CLO 1006 - Cannabis Applicant Certification Form
• CLO 1007 - Cannabis Parcel Owner Certification Form
• CLO 1008a - Sequrity Requirements Overview
• CLO 1008b - Security Requirements
• CLO RDLR 1000 Retail Dispensary License Renewal Checklist
• CLO RDLR 1001 Retail Dispensary License Renewal Application (no changes)
• CLO RDLR 1001c Retail Dispensary License Renewal with Changes
• CLO RDLR 1002 Retail Dispensary Supplier List
• CLO RDLR 1009 Retail Dispensary License Renewal Drivers Identification
• CLO RDLR 1010 Retail Dispensary License Renewal Vehicle Identification