Cannabis Businesses

Adult-use and medicinal cannabis businesses are authorized in the City of La Mesa pursuant to La Mesa Municipal Code Chapters 6.11 and 24.23 (Measure U), respectively, subject to specific locational and operational requirements.

Chapter 24.23 codifies Measure U as passed by the voters of the City of La Mesa in November 2016. Measure U requires a conditional use permit for medicinal retail sales, cultivation, and manufacturing.
Chapter 6.11 was adopted by the La Mesa City Council in October 2019 and regulates adult-use cannabis businesses. It authorizes adult-use cannabis businesses to co-locate with medicinal businesses approved under Measure U, as well as stand-alone adult-use cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and testing laboratory businesses. No retail adult-use cannabis businesses are authorized except for co-locations with retail locations approved under Measure U.

Locations

The Interactive Cannabis Business Sites Map and Cannabis Business Application Table provide information on cannabis business applications location, business type, applicable regulations (Measure U and/or Adult Use Ordinance), and current status.

The following adult use retail storefronts (as of October 17, 2022) are the licensed cannabis dispensaries currently in operation in the City. The Department of Cannabis Control provides a license search to verify if a cannabis business is licensed. Please notify the City or the Department of Cannabis Control if you have any concerns regarding a cannabis business operating in the City of La Mesa.

8760 Campo Road, dba Dr. Greenthumb’s
8300 Center Drive, dba EMBR
8155 Center Street, dba The Grove
7339 El Cajon Boulevard, dba Urbn Leaf
7935 El Cajon Boulevard, dba Cookies La Mesa
8744 La Mesa Boulevard, dba The Reserve SD
8939 La Mesa Boulevard, dba Urbn Leaf
5301 Lake Murray Boulevard, dba Welgreens
8160 Parkway Drive, dba Jungle Boys San Diego
8260 Parkway Drive, dba Backpack Boyz
7180 University Avenue, dba Emjay
7729 University Avenue, dba LiT La Mesa

Please be aware of online e-commerce scams and other fraudulent activity that pose as legitimate cannabis storefronts. Cannabis retailers are required to be licensed and to post their license number on the associated website. Licensed cannabis retailers are regulated by the state and local jurisdiction to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the City of La Mesa and to enforce rules and regulations consistent with state law. The best way to minimize the potential of being a victim of fraud or other malicious activity would be to verify that the retail storefront or delivery service is licensed by the state and city prior to any interactions with a perspective cannabis retailer or service provider.

Applications for Adult-Use Cannabis Businesses

Applications are being accepted electronically for Adult-Use Cannabis Business Licenses. Links to the applications, insurance requirements, and other information for adult-use cannabis businesses can be found below. When all required materials have been assembled, please contact the Planning Department at 619.667.1177 or planning@cityoflamesa.us to facilitate your application submittal. Incomplete submittals will be rejected.

Adult-Use Applications

Adult-Use Cannabis Business License Measure U Facility Co-location Application
Adult-Use Cannabis Business License Phase One Application
Adult-Use Cannabis Business License Phase Two Application

Measure U Applications

Planning Application Packet
Conditional Use Permit Application
Environmental Assessment/Initial Study Application
Measure U Cultivation Supplemental Application
Measure U Manufacturing Supplemental Application
Measure U Dispensary Supplemental Application
Community Development Department Fee Schedule

Forms

Live Scan

All cannabis business applications require Live Scan and background check for cannabis business owners and others involved in the cannabis business, as applicable. Requests for Live Scan must be submitted to and conducted through the La Mesa Police Department. Requests for Live Scan will not be accepted through another agency. Complete the form electronically and print it (preferred), or print the form and complete by hand, and then bring it with you to fingerprinting. The La Mesa Police Department, 8085 University Avenue, provides Live Scan service by appointment only, available weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you would like to set an appointment, please call 619.667.7592. Please see the current Police Department Fee Schedule for applicable background check fees found on the City’s Fee Schedule page

Cannabis Business Tax

All cannabis businesses are subject to the Cannabis Business Tax (La Mesa Municipal Code Chapter 6.10). For further information, see the Finance Department’s Cannabis Business Tax webpage.

Cannabis in La Mesa Newsletter

The Cannabis in La Mesa Newsletter is intended to provide pertinent information periodically to local community members and cannabis businesses with business related updates, reminders and announcements. The City regularly works with local cannabis businesses to ensure compliance with state laws and local regulations to protect the health, safety and welfare of the La Mesa community.

May 2023
February 2023
November 2022

Other Application Information

Building Division Policy – Cannabis Cultivation & Manufacturing Facilities Odor Control
Cannabis Cultivation & Manufacturing Facilities Odor Control Acknowledgement and
Agreement
Exterior Odor Control Standards & Testing Procedures Cannabis Cultivation and
Manufacturing Facilities
Adult-Use Cannabis Business Insurance Requirements
Measure U Sensitive Uses Address List
Measure U Cultivation and Manufacturing Constraints - Citywide

Resource Links

Department of Cannabis Control
La Mesa Municipal Code Chapter 6.11 Adult-Use Cannabis Business Ordinance
La Mesa Municipal Code Chapter 24.23 Measure U Ordinance
Measure U/Medical Marijuana FAQs - 1/18/2017
Measure U FAQs - 1/26/2017
Measure U FAQs - 3/17/2017

Comments

To submit a compliment, ask a general question or submit a cannabis business related concern, please contact the Planning Department at 619.667.1177 or email planning@cityoflamesa.us.

Cannabis Businesses