Lakewood's Cannabis Regulations: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles cannabis regulations a little differently. In Lakewood, Colorado, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Buffer Zones

Lakewood bars new medical and retail marijuana businesses from locating within 3,000 feet of each other and within 1,000 feet of any school or its athletic facilities.

Key details: Other MJ business buffer: 3,000 feet. School buffer: 1,000 feet. Measured: property line to property line. Enforced by: Lakewood City Clerk.

Operating or permitting operation of a Medical or Retail Marijuana Business within the prohibited buffer distance is unlawful and blocks licensing or relocation approval by the City Clerk.

Dispensary Zoning

Lakewood, Colorado caps retail marijuana store licenses to businesses that already held a Lakewood medical marijuana license as of April 1, 2020, under Municipal Code § 5.58.040(A); no new applicants can enter. A store relocating within the city under § 5.58.060(B) cannot land within 3,000 feet of another marijuana center or store, or within 1,000 feet of a school or its athletic facilities.

Key details: Eligible applicants: only pre-April 1, 2020 Lakewood medical dispensaries. Buffer from other MMC/store: 3,000 feet. Buffer from schools: 1,000 feet. Distance measured: property line to property line, straight line. Relocation application fee: $1,000.

Operating without a valid local license, violating chapter 5.58, breaking the Colorado Marijuana Code, failing a CPTED follow-up, or allowing criminal conduct on the premises lets the City Manager deny renewal, suspend, revoke, or place conditions on a license under § 5.58.140(A), after a quasi-judicial hearing, 14-day written findings, and a right of appeal under the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.

Compared to other cities, Lakewood takes a harder line on dispensary zoning. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Lakewood'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 Lakewood is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Lakewood 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.