Maryland law and Baltimore zoning impose minimum buffers between cannabis dispensaries and schools, daycares, and other dispensaries. Baltimore generally requires 500-1,000 feet depending on facility type.
Under Maryland §1-301+ and Baltimore TransForm zoning Article 32, cannabis dispensaries must maintain minimum buffer distances from sensitive uses. State law sets a 500-foot buffer from primary or secondary schools measured property line to property line. Baltimore zoning adds local distance requirements between dispensaries (typically 1,000 feet) to prevent clustering, plus buffers from licensed daycares and substance abuse treatment facilities. Pre-existing medical dispensaries that converted to adult-use are generally grandfathered. Variances require Board of Municipal Zoning Appeals (BMZA) approval. The CCA verifies state-level compliance during licensure.
Operating within prohibited buffer is grounds for license denial or revocation; siting variances require BMZA hearing with neighbor notice.
See how Baltimore's buffer zones rules stack up against other locations.
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