Cannabis Business Tax

For City permitting information, visit the Cannabis Permitting process website.

On Nov. 8, 2016, San Diego voters passed Measure N, Non-Medical Cannabis Tax, which imposes a gross receipts tax on non-medical cannabis businesses that operate or provide services within the City of San Diego. The Cannabis Business Tax Ordinance San Diego Municipal Code (SDMC) Chapter 3, Article 4, Division 1, adopted by the City Council by Resolution No. 310869, became effective on Dec. 12, 2016.

The Cannabis Business Tax applies to cannabis business activities including, but not limited to, transporting, manufacturing, cultivating, packaging or retail sales, whether operating from a fixed location in the City or coming into the City from an outside location. Businesses were initially taxed at a rate of 5% of monthly gross receipts, which increased to 8% on July 1, 2019. Effective May 1, 2022, the Cannabis Tax rate for Cannabis Production Facilities (Cultivation, Manufacturing, Distribution, Storage) is 2% of monthly gross receipts. Each business is required to remit monthly the full amount of taxes owed based on the previous month's activity. Along with payment of taxes, businesses must file a Cannabis Tax Remittance Form. Cash remittances in excess of $3,000 require an appointment. For questions or to request an appointment, please call 619-615-1580 or email cannabistax@sandiego.gov.

The payment of the Cannabis Business Tax shall in no way be construed as authorizing the continuance of any illegal business. Persons may not lawfully engage in cannabis business activities without first obtaining required City and state permits and licenses.

Helpful Information and Forms

Updated 02/09/2024

Remittance Forms

Standard Remittance Form

(Fillable)

(Printable)

Apportionment Remittance Form

Adjustment Form