Ohio law sets a 1,000-foot buffer between cannabis dispensaries and schools, churches, public libraries, public playgrounds, and public parks under ORC §3780.16, and Columbus zoning enforces this through conditional-use review at every proposed dispensary site.
ORC §3780.16, drawn from the medical cannabis program in ORC §3796.30 and reinforced by HB-era regulatory amendments, prohibits dispensaries within 500 feet (state floor) and effectively 1,000 feet of prescribed buildings under DCC rule. Columbus zoning code applies the buffer at the conditional-use stage, with planning staff measuring property line to property line. Buffers cover K-12 schools, churches, public libraries, public playgrounds, and public parks. Existing cannabis operations may continue if a sensitive use opens nearby after license issuance. Variances are rare and require demonstrating no negative impact on the protected institution.
Opening or relocating within the buffer without a variance can result in zoning denial, license non-issuance from the Division of Cannabis Control, and forced closure with no refund of investment costs.
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See how Columbus's buffer zones rules stack up against other locations.
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