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Milwaukee, WI Cannabis Regulations: Buffer Zones (2026)

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

Key Facts

Buffer zones?
Not applicable yet
Reason
WI not legalized
CBD statute
Wis. Stat. §961.32(2m)
Hemp statute
Wis. Stat. §94.55

Summary

Because Wisconsin has not legalized recreational or full medical cannabis, no licensed dispensaries exist in Milwaukee, so no operational buffer zones from schools or parks apply at present.

961.32 Possession authorization. (2m) (a) In this subsection, "certification" means a letter or other official document issued by a physician licensed under s. 448.04 (1) (a) that contains all of the following: 1. The name, address, and telephone number of the physician. 2. The name and address of the patient who is issued the letter or document. 3. The date on which the letter or document is issued. (b) An individual may possess a cannabidiol product if the individual has certification stating that the individual possesses a cannabidiol product to treat a medical condition, if the certification has an issue date that is no more than one year prior to the possession, and if any expiration date provided by the physician in the certification has not passed. A certification is not required to possess hemp, as defined in s. 94.55 (1), or a prescription drug product that has been approved by the U.S. food and drug administration. (3) (a) In this subsection: 1. "Cannabis" means the plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not. 2. "Hemp" has the meaning given in s. 94.55 (1).

Source: Wisconsin Statutes §961.32View official code

Full Breakdown

Cannabis dispensary buffer zones (commonly 600-1000 feet from schools, parks, or churches in legal-cannabis states) do not currently exist in Milwaukee because Wisconsin has not legalized recreational or comprehensive medical cannabis. Wis. Stat. §961.41 keeps marijuana sale a state-controlled-substance offense. Wisconsin allows narrow CBD use under §961.32(2m), but this does not authorize licensed retail. If Wisconsin legalizes in future sessions, Milwaukee's zoning code (Ch. 295) would likely require buffer-zone amendments, and any such proposal would go through the City Plan Commission and Common Council. Some hemp-derived CBD retailers operate under Wis. Stat. §94.55, but these are not subject to cannabis-specific buffers.

Violations & Fines

No cannabis dispensary licensing exists, so no buffer-zone violations are possible. Unlicensed sale of THC products is prosecuted under state controlled-substances law, not zoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Milwaukee dispensaries have to stay 1000 feet from schools?
There are no licensed cannabis dispensaries in Milwaukee because Wisconsin has not legalized cannabis sales. Buffer-zone rules would require future state legislation.
Are CBD shops regulated by buffer zones?
No. Hemp-derived CBD retailers under Wis. Stat. §94.55 are treated as ordinary retail and are subject only to base zoning, not cannabis-specific buffers.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Milwaukee

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