Bridging Business Opportunity with Community Growth

IMPORTANT COUNTY INFORMATION

 The County of San Diego’s (County) Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing as follows

 Dear Interested Community Member,  

Project Name: Socially Equitable Cannabis Program  

Date: April 10, 2026  

Description: This is a request for the Planning Commission to provide a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors (Board) on the proposed Socially Equitable Cannabis Program (SECP) including draft Zoning Ordinance amendments and the Final Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR). The SECP also includes amendments to the Regulatory Code and the Social Equity Program, which fall outside of the scope of the Commission’s purview, however any input from the Commission will be shared with the Board.

 The SECP would allow for new cannabis facilities in the unincorporated areas of the county, including cultivation, distribution, manufacturing, microbusiness, retail, onsite consumption lounges, temporary cannabis events, and testing laboratories. The SECP was prepared in response to the Board's January 27, 2021 (4) direction to develop amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and County Regulatory Code to allow for permitting and licensing of new commercial cannabis uses.

 On January 14, 2026 (3), staff presented program options to the Board based on stakeholder feedback. These options included proceeding with a program aligned with State standards (Program Option A) in addition to other options that would expand regulations to incorporate local requirements for buffers, sensitive uses, allowed facility types, and separation requirements. At that hearing, the Board directed staff to pursue Program Option A, which aligns local standards with state standards for buffers from sensitive uses and is consistent with the Board’s original January 2021 direction. Under State standards, cannabis facilities would be required to be located at least 600-feet from schools, daycares, and youth centers.

 The SECP includes four components: 

1) Regulatory requirements, including amendments to the County Zoning Ordinance and the Regulatory Code, 

2) a licensing and permitting structure and procedures, 

3) a PEIR to analyze potential environmental impacts from the program, and 

4) a Social Equity Program promoting fair access to the cannabis industry for those who have been impacted by cannabis-related criminalization and the War on Drugs.

Project Website: Socially Equitable Cannabis Program (engage.sandiegocounty.gov) 

Hearing Information  

·       Date: April 10, 2026  

·       Time: 9:00 a.m.  

·       Location: County Operations Center (COC) Hearing Room, 5520 Overland Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123 

Public Participation  

Those wishing to participate in the meeting and/or comment should visit the Planning Commission website.

If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Commission Secretary at PDS.PlanningCommission@sdcounty.ca.gov.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities or Requesting Interpretation 

Agendas and records are available in alternative formats upon request. Contact the Planning and Development Services office at (858) 694-3003 with questions or to request a disability-related accommodation. Individuals requiring sign language interpreters should contact the Countywide ADA Title II Coordinator at (619) 531-4908. To the extent reasonably possible, requests for accommodation or assistance should be submitted at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting so that arrangements may be made. An area in the front of the room can be designated for individuals requiring the use of wheelchair or other accessible devices. Please visit the Planning Commission website for more details.  

Staff Contact  

For more information regarding the project, please reach out to the following contact: 

·       Dara Elkurdi  

·       (858) 505-6677   

·       PDS.LongRangePlanning@sdcounty.ca.gov     

Please help us spread the word - share this message with your friends and colleagues!   

Visit us on our Engage San Diego County platform to learn more about the Cannabis Program.  

For more information about the project, please visit the Cannabis Program Website. 

Be sure to subscribe to the Cannabis Program email list to receive Program updates.  

Upcoming Chamber Happenings

We are looking for Retail & artisan vendors
and Interactive workshop hosts

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Vine & Vibe Experience

The Vine & Vibe Experience is a curated, ticketed creative gathering designed for adults who love to sip, savor, and create in a vibrant, social atmosphere. Guests enjoy a beautifully styled setting where wine, charcuterie, and hands-on DIY activities come together for an elevated afternoon of connection and creativity. Each Experience ticket includes a glass of wine, an individual charcuterie box, and 3 crafted DIY activities. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation, artistry, and community — thoughtfully designed to feel special, engaging, and memorable from start to finish.

The VIP Creative Experience is the elevated way to enjoy Vine & Vibe — designed for guests who want a little extra sparkle, creativity, and exclusive perks. VIP attendees receive everything included in the standard Experience ticket — plus premium DIY upgrades, enhanced materials, and priority access throughout the event. With added touches and thoughtful extras, the VIP Experience offers a more personalized, elevated atmosphere for those who want to sip, create, and celebrate in style.

Member Partner Happenings

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