Model Ordinances Regulating Local Cannabis Retail Sales, Marketing and Taxation in California
Explore model ordinances and resources for states or localities where cannabis has been legalized or legalization is being considered—designed to help discourage high potency products and youth use, and provide sustained financial support to local efforts to create healthier and more equitable communities and prevent substance use.
- Lynn Silver, MD, MPH, FAAP
- Michael G. Colantuono
Alisa Padon
Aurash Soroosh (Retail only)
Michael Colantuono (taxation only)
PHI’s Getting it Right from the Start collaboratively develops and tests models for optimal cannabis policy (retail practices, marketing & taxation), based on the best available scientific evidence, with the goal of reducing harms, youth use and problem use and promoting social justice and equity.
Explore the model ordinances, which cover the best practices in local regulation of cannabis and hemp retailing, including licensing, marketing, hours, product restrictions, youth protection, caps on dispensaries, and equity considerations.
These resources have been developed by PHI’s Getting it Right from the Start and informed through conversations with experts and stakeholders from across California and around the nation, in order to share best practices for stronger local regulatory and taxation frameworks that protect youth, public health and social equity in the wake of legalization in California. They are designed to be used as a starting point for local communities in developing their own local policies.
Retail & Marketing Model Ordinances (Cannabis and Hemp)
These ordinances cover the best practices in local regulation of cannabis and hemp retailing, including licensing, marketing, hours, product restrictions, youth protection, caps on dispensaries, and equity considerations.
Special Tax Model Ordinance
This model ordinance provides a model for California cities and counties to capture cannabis tax revenue and directs revenue towards specified public health and prevention funding.
General Tax Model Local Ordinance for California
This alternative model tax ordinance for California cities and counties, this approach places revenue in a general fund with an advisory panel to help direct resources to prevention goals.
See additional resources:
- Principles for Cannabis Regulation: PHI’s Getting It Right from the Start has also developed Principles for Cannabis Regulation, which provide a framework for communities to use in navigating cannabis laws and regulations in order to protect public health and equity.
- Sharing a Public Health Oriented Model Local Ordinance for Marijuana Regulation (Dialogue4Health Web Forum, December 15, 2017)
- How to Tax and to What End? Sharing a Model Ordinance for Initiatives for Local Marijuana Taxation and Prevention Funding in California (Dialogue4Health Web Forum, January 18, 2018)
The model ordinances were prepared by PHI’s Getting it Right from the Start, working with Michael G. Colantuono, JD of Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley PC, a leading municipal law and revenue expert and President of the Board of Trustees of the California State Bar, with generous assistance of several expert reviewers.
Work With Us
You change the world. We do the rest. Explore fiscal sponsorship at PHI.
Support Us
Together, we can accelerate our response to public health’s most critical issues.
Find Employment
Begin your career at the Public Health Institute.
