PRESS RELEASE: City of Fullerton Strengthens Enforcement Against Unlicensed Commercial Cannabis Activity

Date: April 23, 2026

Contact: Kim Chaudhry

Senior Administrative Analyst

[email protected]

(714) 738-6317

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Fullerton Strengthens Enforcement Against

Unlicensed Commercial Cannabis Activity

FULLERTON, CA (April 23, 2026) - At its April 21, 2026 meeting, the Fullerton City Council adopted an ordinance amending the Fullerton Municipal Code to strengthen enforcement against unlicensed commercial cannabis activity and introduce additional enforcement options.

The City's zoning code prohibits all commercial cannabis uses, and since 2017, Fullerton has taken consistent enforcement action through a coordinated effort involving Code Enforcement, the Police Department, the Building Division, and the City Attorney's Office. While collaboration with the California Department of Cannabis Control has improved outcomes, illegal operations have continued to pose challenges due to lengthy administrative and legal processes required for enforcement.

The adopted ordinance addresses these challenges by incorporating authority under Assembly Bill 1684, allowing for the immediate issuance of administrative fines for unlicensed cannabis activities, including retail, distribution, and manufacturing. It also establishes a new Municipal Code chapter reinforcing the City's prohibition, expands accountability to include property owners and responsible parties, and introduces alternative enforcement pathways to more effectively address repeat violations.

"Fullerton has been clear, commercial cannabis activity is not permitted in our City," said Mayor Fred Jung. "This ordinance strengthens our ability to act quickly and hold violators accountable, helping us protect our neighborhoods and use City resources more effectively."

The ordinance enhances the City's ability to address unlicensed commercial cannabis activity, strengthening deterrence, reducing repeat violations, and supporting ongoing efforts to protect the community and uphold local regulations.

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