Long Beach Municipal Code Div. XIII Cannabis Special Events

Cannabis special events may be permitted only in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to, this code, California Business and Professions Code Sections 26000 et seq., Department of Cannabis Control regulations including Code of California Regulations Title 4, Chapter 5, and all other applicable State, federal and local laws and regulations.

(ORD-26-0006 § 4, 2026)

A. The cannabis special event organizer must apply for a special event permit in accordance with Chapter 5.60 of this code, if the event is to take place in, on or upon any City street, sidewalk, alley, park, way, pier, public place, public property or public right-of-way which is owned or controlled by the City. However, the provisions of Paragraph B of Section 5.60.020 do not apply to any cannabis special event.

B. If the event is to take place on private property, the event organizer must apply for an occasional event permit in accordance with Section 5.72.130 of this code.

(ORD-26-0006 § 4, 2026)

The City Council may adopt a resolution, at its discretion, to designate the maximum number of cannabis special events permits that may be issued to each cannabis special event organizer each year.

(ORD-26-0006 § 4, 2026)

The cannabis special event organizer must obtain a Cannabis Event Organizer License and Temporary Cannabis Event License from the Department of Cannabis Control, in accordance with the California Code of Regulations, Title 4, Chapter 5.

(ORD-26-0006 § 4, 2026)

An authorized cannabis special event shall be exempt from the provisions of Chapter 8.68 - Smoking in Public Places of this code for the duration of cannabis special event.

(ORD-26-0006 § 4, 2026)

All sales of cannabis goods at cannabis special events shall only be conducted by a cannabis special event vendor. All gross receipts from cannabis special event sales must be reported to the City in accordance with Section 3.80.261(H) of this code.

(ORD-26-0006 § 4, 2026)

The cannabis special event organizer shall submit an Equity Plan as part of their special event permit application. The plan must outline how the organizer will support verified equity applicants and equity businesses. Support strategies may include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Offer reduced event vendor fees, exhibitor fees, booth fees, or sponsor fees;

B. Display and sell cannabis products manufactured by verified equity businesses; and/or

C. Allocate vendor spaces for licensed equity dispensaries (retailers);

D. Provide mentorship opportunities during event day.

For purposes of this section, support for equity applicants and equity businesses may include those verified in a different jurisdiction with a local equity program, as defined in Section 26240(e) of the California Business and Professions Code.

The City Manager may authorize an exemption to the Equity Plan requirement if the cannabis special event organizer is unable to meet one or more of the above requirements due to limited availability or participation from verified equity applicants or equity businesses, the cannabis special event organizer may submit a written justification detailing their outreach efforts and any barriers encountered. The City may, at its discretion, waive or modify the Equity Plan requirements on a case-by-case basis.

(ORD-26-0006 § 4, 2026)

The cannabis special event organizer shall be responsible for promoting responsible cannabis consumption and safe alternatives to driving, including ride-share options or designated drivers. Printed signage shall be posted in areas with high visibility at the cannabis special event. In addition to onsite signage, digital promotion shall be advertised in advance of the cannabis special event.

(ORD-26-0006 § 4, 2026)

The City Manager is authorized to take the following actions, as applicable:

A. Require cannabis sales or consumption to cease, at any time during the event, to protect public health or safety and safeguard compliance with applicable State and City laws and regulations.

B. Require the cannabis special event organizer to expel an event participant if they are found selling cannabis, cannabis products, or cannabis-related accessories in a manner inconsistent with applicable State or City laws and regulations.

C. In addition to the above, a cannabis special event organizer and cannabis special event vendor are subject enforcement and penalties including, but not limited to, Division X of this Chapter and Chapter 5.60 of this code.

(ORD-26-0006 § 4, 2026)