Orem's Cannabis Regulations: The Rules That Matter

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

Dispensary Zoning

Orem confines cannabis production establishments to the M2 manufacturing zone and allows medical cannabis pharmacies in any zone that isn't primarily residential, under City Code Section 22-14-21(C), with both use types needing a City business license and a state license before opening.

Key details: Cannabis production establishment zone: M2 zone only. Medical cannabis pharmacy zone: Any non-residential zone. Signage limit: One 4x5 ft wall sign, green cross. State license required: Utah Dept. of Agriculture and Food. City requirement: Orem business license before operating.

Operating a cannabis production establishment outside the M2 zone, or a medical cannabis pharmacy in a residential zone, is a zoning violation Development Services and the Zoning Administrator can act on directly, separate from any state licensing action by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food. Because this sits within Chapter 22, a knowing violation carries the City's general zoning penalty: a Class C misdemeanor with up to a $500 fine and up to three months in jail under Section 22-1-6.

This is one of the stricter rules in Orem's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Buffer Zones

Cannabis production establishments and medical cannabis pharmacies in Orem must stay at least 600 feet from any primarily residential zone, plus 1,000 feet from a school, church, library, park, or day care for a production facility, or 200 feet for a pharmacy, under Section 22-14-21(C).

Key details: Residential zone buffer: 600 feet, both use types. Community-location buffer (production): 1,000 feet. Community-location buffer (pharmacy): 200 feet. Community location defined as: School, day care, church, library, park. Measurement method: Shortest pedestrian route, not straight line.

A cannabis production establishment or medical cannabis pharmacy sited inside the 600-foot residential buffer, or inside the 1,000-foot (production) or 200-foot (pharmacy) community-location buffer without a state waiver, is out of compliance with Section 22-14-21(C) and can be denied a City business license or ordered to relocate, with a knowing violation exposed to the Class C misdemeanor penalty of Section 22-1-6.

Compared to other cities, Orem takes a harder line on buffer zones. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Orem is tougher than many cities when it comes to cannabis regulations. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Orem, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

Keep in mind that Orem 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.