East Orange, NJ Cannabis Regulations: Buffer Zones (2026)

East Orange's cannabis ordinance sets its separation distances twice, in nearly identical language, at § 120-5(C)(5) and again at § 120-6(B)(10): no cannabis establishment can operate within 100 feet of a child day-care center, elementary or high school, or within 625 feet of another cannabis establishment, both measured from the main entrance of each business. The rule applies across every authorized class the City permits since August 20, 2021 under § 120-5(C)(3): cultivators, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and delivery services, though alternative treatment centers, expanded ATCs, and testing facilities remain unauthorized outright.

Applicants must document compliance up front: a local support application for a resolution of support must include a separation distance map under § 120-5(D)(1)(g) showing the site meets both buffers before the City's Cannabis Review Board will even score the application. Retail-specific density gets an extra layer under § 120-6(C)(2), which caps retailers and delivery services at no more than two locations within 625 feet of each other even inside the zoning districts that otherwise allow them. A permit holder that violates the separation rule risks suspension or revocation by the Board under § 120-5(L), on top of the escalating per-day fines the chapter sets for any violation.