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Cannabis Regulations

How White Plains Handles Cannabis Regulations: A Practical Guide

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

White Plains maintains 104 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with cannabis regulations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where White Plains falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Home Cultivation

Adults 21+ may grow up to 3 mature and 3 immature cannabis plants at home, capped at 6 mature and 6 immature per household, under NY Cannabis Law §222. Plants must be secured from minors and not visible from public right-of-way.

Key details: Per adult: 3 mature + 3 immature. Per household: 6 mature + 6 immature. Age: 21+. State law: NY Cannabis Law §222. Landlord: May prohibit in lease.

Exceeding plant limits: civil penalty up to $125 for first offense per Cannabis Law §222(4). Public-view cultivation: additional local nuisance fines.

White Plains is more permissive than most cities when it comes to home cultivation. That said, there are still limits.

Dispensary Zoning

White Plains opted in to allow adult-use cannabis retail dispensaries and on-site consumption under NY MRTA (2021). Dispensaries limited to specific commercial zones with setbacks from schools, places of worship, and other dispensaries per local zoning amendments.

Key details: Retail: Allowed (opted in). Zones: CB / B-6 commercial. School buffer: 500 ft typical. Local tax: 3% city + 1% county. Licensed by: NYS OCM.

Unlicensed sales: state felony charges. Zoning violations: city-issued cease-and-desist plus daily fines until compliance.

The Bottom Line

White Plains'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 White Plains is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on White Plains's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.