Anne Arundel County, MD Cannabis Regulations: Buffer Zones (2026)
Key Facts
- Buffer from schools
- 750 feet
- Buffer from residential zoning
- 750 feet (except RA)
- RA district minimum lot
- 10 acres
- Applies to
- Growers and processors, not dispensaries
Summary
Licensed cannabis growers and processors in Anne Arundel County must locate at least 750 feet from any school lot line, Board of Education property, or residentially zoned land outside RA districts.
The facility may not be located within 750 feet of the lot line of a public or private school; the lot line of real property owned by the Board of Education; or, except in an RA district, residentially zoned property.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-93: County Code is current through May, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Under County Code § 18-10-145(b)(1) and (c)(1), a licensed grower or processor of cannabis may not be located within 750 feet of the lot line of a public or private school, the lot line of real property owned by the Board of Education, or residentially zoned property, except in an RA (Rural Agricultural) district. Growers sited in an RA district must instead sit on a lot of at least 10 acres. This applies countywide, including unincorporated communities like Glen Burnie and Severna Park; Annapolis and Highland Beach are separately governed. Licensed dispensaries face a different rule set under § 18-10-145(a) with no 750-foot buffer, but no-loitering signage and visibility restrictions.
Violations & Fines
Facilities are zoning-regulated uses; the Office of Planning and Zoning and Department of Inspections and Permits review siting before a zoning certificate or license issues, and a non-compliant location can be denied or shut down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 750-foot buffer apply to cannabis dispensaries too?
Can a grower operate closer than 750 feet to a school in an RA district?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland cannabis regulations overview
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