San Diego County Supervisors Advance “Socially Equitable” Cannabis Program

San Diego, CA, August 20, 2026 —

San Diego County supervisors have taken a significant step towards establishing a “socially equitable” cannabis program within the county’s unincorporated areas. In a 3-2 vote, the board moved to advance the proposed program, favoring recommendations put forth by county staff over those of the Planning Commission.

The staff recommendations include amendments to existing zoning ordinances that would permit the establishment of new cannabis facilities. These proposed changes contrast with the stricter regulations suggested by the Planning Commission. The commission had advocated for measures such as a ban on outdoor cannabis cultivation and the implementation of longer buffer zones separating cannabis businesses from youth centers.

The supervisors who voted in favor of advancing the program were Paloma Aguirre, Terra Lawson-Remer, and Monica Montgomery Steppe. Opposing the measure were Supervisors Joel Anderson and Jim Desmond.

A second public hearing is scheduled for September 2. This hearing will precede the final approval of the cannabis program. Details regarding the specific zoning ordinance amendments and buffer zone requirements were not fully detailed in the provided summary.

Story summarized from the original created by KAREN WEIL, City News Service on www.10news.com, see more information here.

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