Charleston enforces buffer distances between medical cannabis dispensaries and sensitive uses such as schools, churches, parks, and daycares, layered on top of West Virginia state buffer rules under Chapter 16A.
Charleston zoning code restricts where state-permitted medical cannabis dispensaries may locate by requiring minimum separations from schools, churches, daycare centers, and public parks. State law under W. Va. Code Chapter 16A also establishes baseline buffers, and the stricter of the two rules applies. Buffers are generally measured in a straight line from property line to property line. Existing sensitive uses can effectively limit available parcels, particularly in mixed neighborhoods like the East End and West Side. Applicants must demonstrate buffer compliance during the city zoning and business license review.
Operating within prohibited buffer distances can void zoning approval, trigger revocation of business license, and place the state cannabis permit at risk.
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See how Charleston's buffer zones rules stack up against other locations.
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