Cannabis Regulations in Annapolis, MD: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Annapolis or are thinking about moving there, cannabis regulations are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Annapolis has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of cannabis regulations, and some of them might surprise you.

Dispensary Zoning

Medical cannabis dispensaries are a permitted-subject-to-standards use in nearly every commercial and industrial zoning district in Annapolis, but City Code bars any dispensary from locating within one mile of another licensed dispensary.

Key details: Spacing rule: 1-mile radius from any other dispensary. Zoning status: Permitted subject to standards, most districts. Permit condition: On-site naloxone dispensing machine required. Added by: Ordinance O-6-22, effective 7-25-2022.

A site within one mile of an existing licensed dispensary, or a dispensary that skips the required naloxone dispensing machine, does not satisfy § 21.64.405: the City withholds the permit needed to open until both conditions are met.

Buffer Zones

Annapolis requires medical cannabis dispensaries to sit at least one mile from any other licensed dispensary premises: a spacing rule between shops, not a buffer from schools or parks, under City Code § 21.64.405(A).

Key details: Spacing requirement: One mile between dispensaries. Zoning status: Permitted use, subject to standards. Extra permit condition: On-site naloxone dispenser required. Adopted: Ord. No. O-6-22, July 2022.

Siting or operating a dispensary that breaches the one-mile spacing standard is a zoning violation, subject to permit denial and enforcement by the Department of Planning and Zoning.

The Bottom Line

Annapolis's cannabis regulations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Annapolis is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Annapolis can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.