Albuquerque, NM Cannabis Regulations: Buffer Zones (2026)

IDO § 14-16-4-3(D)(36)(c) and (d) set the two distance buffers that apply to Cannabis Retail as a zoning use. A cannabis retail lot cannot be located within 660 feet of another cannabis retail location, and separately cannot be located within 300 feet of any school or child day care facility. Both distances are measured, under Subsection (a) of the same standard, from the lot that holds the state-licensed "licensed premises" as defined by the Cannabis Regulation Act, NMSA 1978 §§ 26-2C-1 to 26-2C-42, so the buffer runs from the actual licensed footprint rather than the parcel boundary generally.

These two buffers do not apply to every dispensary in the city: Subsection (b) exempts any establishment that already held a valid medical cannabis license under the Lynn and Erin Compassionate Use Act as of April 1, 2022, so a pre-existing medical dispensary can sit closer than 660 feet to a newer retail store or closer than 300 feet to a school without losing its zoning status. The IDO also bars outdoor storage or display for this use under Subsection (e) and bars displaying cannabis products or paraphernalia within 5 feet of a window or door under Subsection (f), standards that work alongside the two distance buffers to shape where and how a cannabis retail storefront can present itself near residential and institutional neighbors.