Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Lynn

Lynn, MA Cannabis Regulations: Buffer Zones (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Residential district/park/playground buffer
500 feet
School (under-18) / other dispensary buffer
1,000 feet
Measurement method
property line to property line
Reduction allowed
up to 25% by City Council
Fine
$300 per violation per day

Summary

Lynn bars a registered cannabis dispensary from locating within 500 feet of any residential district, playground, athletic field or park, and within 1,000 feet of a school serving children under 18 or another dispensary, measured property line to property line under Section 8.E.2.

g. No facility shall be located within 500 feet of a residential zoning district or playground, public athletic field, or park. The distance under this subsection shall be measured in a straight line from the nearest point of the property line of the uses and structures identified to the nearest point of the property line of a facility.

h. No facility shall be located within 1,000 feet of any of the following uses or structures... i. Any school attended by children under the age of 18; or ii. Any other registered cannabis dispensary.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

h of the 2025 Zoning Ordinance set Lynn's cannabis buffer distances, part of the special-permit chapter adopted by the City Council on June 24, 2025. ' Subsection (h) adds a second, larger buffer of 1,000 feet from any school attended by children under 18 or any other registered cannabis dispensary, measured the same property-line-to-property-line way. i gives the City Council limited flexibility: it may shrink either buffer by up to 25% if it finds the facility would otherwise be effectively excluded from the City, or if the applicant shows adequate security measures against diversion to minors under 105 CMR 725. a are subject to, and eligible for a reduction of, these buffer rules.

Violations & Fines

A dispensary sited inside the 500-foot or 1,000-foot buffer without a Council-approved reduction is operating in violation of its special permit and the underlying zoning ordinance. The Building Commissioner can order it to cease, and conviction of a Section 11.B zoning violation carries a $300 fine per violation, each day counted separately, under Section 11.B.3.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far must a Lynn cannabis dispensary be from a school?
At least 1,000 feet from any school attended by children under 18, measured in a straight line between the nearest property lines, under Section 8.E.2.h. The same 1,000-foot buffer also applies between two registered dispensaries.
How close can a dispensary be to a park in Lynn?
No closer than 500 feet from a playground, public athletic field, park, or any residential zoning district, per Section 8.E.2.g, measured from the nearest property line of the protected use to the nearest property line of the facility.
Can Lynn ever shrink the cannabis buffer distance?
Yes, by up to 25%. Section 8.E.2.i lets the City Council reduce either buffer if it finds the facility would otherwise be effectively shut out of the City, or the applicant proves adequate security against diversion to minors under 105 CMR 725.
Do the buffer rules apply to recreational cannabis stores in Lynn?
No standalone recreational shop can open at all: Section 8.E.1.c bans recreational cannabis establishments citywide. The 500-foot and 1,000-foot buffers in Section 8.E.2 apply specifically to registered medical dispensaries permitted under the same chapter.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Lynn

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSignificant RestrictionsDispensary ZoningHeavy RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSome Restrictions

All Lynn rules

Compare Lynn to another location·View the Massachusetts cannabis regulations overview

Get notified when Buffer Zones in Lynn, MA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.