Service
Check if you can apply for a Cannabis Cafe Permit
Only eligible entities are currently able to apply for a cannabis cafe permit.
Office of CannabisWhat to know
What is a Cannabis Cafe?
A Cannabis Cafe is a single premises where customers can purchase and consume cannabis, eat and drink, and enjoy entertainment all on-site.
A Cannabis Cafe is not*:
- A BYOC establishment (do not "Bring Your Own Cannabis" products to consume)
- A cannabis kitchen (no cannabis as an ingredient in preparation of food & drinks)
- A bar (no buying or consuming alcohol or tobacco)
- A dispensary (no purchasing cannabis products to take home)
*Please note this is not an exhaustive list, and contact the OOC at officeofcannabis@sfgov.org if you have any questions about the types of activities that are allowed at Cannabis Cafes.
Ownership Specifications
Ordinance #260281 contains specific requirements for the ownership of Cannabis Cafes.
The Office of Cannabis will distribute a Letter of Intent (LOI) to all qualified applicants in order to ensure that applicants are prepared to meet these ownership requirements, and submit an application as expeditiously as possible. More information about the LOI process can be found below.
What to know
What is a Cannabis Cafe?
A Cannabis Cafe is a single premises where customers can purchase and consume cannabis, eat and drink, and enjoy entertainment all on-site.
A Cannabis Cafe is not*:
- A BYOC establishment (do not "Bring Your Own Cannabis" products to consume)
- A cannabis kitchen (no cannabis as an ingredient in preparation of food & drinks)
- A bar (no buying or consuming alcohol or tobacco)
- A dispensary (no purchasing cannabis products to take home)
*Please note this is not an exhaustive list, and contact the OOC at officeofcannabis@sfgov.org if you have any questions about the types of activities that are allowed at Cannabis Cafes.
Ownership Specifications
Ordinance #260281 contains specific requirements for the ownership of Cannabis Cafes.
The Office of Cannabis will distribute a Letter of Intent (LOI) to all qualified applicants in order to ensure that applicants are prepared to meet these ownership requirements, and submit an application as expeditiously as possible. More information about the LOI process can be found below.
What to do
1. Check if you are eligible
Please note that Ordinance 260281 prohibits the OOC from accepting cannabis cafe applications from applicants who do not meet the Temporary Eligibility criteria for Cannabis Cafe permits. Only eligible applicants may apply for a cannabis cafe permit during the one-year period following the Ordinance's effective date of August 24, 2026.
You may be eligible to apply for a cannabis cafe permit if you:
- Own a business with a valid Storefront Cannabis Retail Permit, issued by the Office of Cannabis (OOC)
- Will apply with, at a minimum, the same Owners who currently hold the valid Storefront Cannabis Retail Permit
If you do not meet these criteria, you may be able to apply once applications are open to the public.
2. Receive an eligibility email from the OOC
The OOC will send you a Letter of Intent (LOI) form for you to complete, asking you to:
- Confirm your interest in applying for a Cannabis Cafe permit
- Identify the Owners you intend to apply with; and
- Gather specified documents to submit a Cannabis Cafe application, or to submit a Permit Amendment for the existing Storefront Retail permit (if applicable)
If you do not receive a letter from the OOC by August 14, 2026, and believe you qualify to apply for a Cannabis Cafe permit, you are welcome to email the OOC at officeofcannabis@sfgov.org. Please contact the OOC before August 21, 2026 to ensure there is adequate time to process your request.
3. Complete your Letter of Intent form
Submit your LOI form and complete any follow-up items requested by the OOC. Submitting an LOI by September 1, 2026 will help applicants prepare to submit their application as soon as the online portal opens.
Eligible applicants who do not submit an LOI by September 1, 2026 may submit an application for a Cannabis Cafe at a later date, provided that certain conditions are met. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to email the OOC at officeofcannabis@sfgov.org.
4. Get ready to apply
The application will be made available by the OOC in early October 2026. Applicants who qualify will receive communications directly from the OOC with instructions on how to apply. Prepare for the process by referencing this checklist.
Contact us
Office of Cannabis
officeofcannabis@sfgov.org