Philadelphia, PA Cannabis Regulations: Buffer Zones (2026)

Philadelphia's zoning code bars a medical marijuana dispensary from locating within 500 feet of any school through 12th grade (including its recreation areas or play fields), public playground, public swimming pool, public park, public recreation center, public library, licensed child care, or any other "regulated use" under § 14-603(13). The dispensary also cannot sit within a zoning district where the use isn't expressly allowed, or along eight named City Avenue-area streets carved out separately. L&I enforces the 500-foot separation when reviewing zoning permit applications, and an applicant must also certify it gave the required community-notice under § 14-303(12)(d) before a permit issues. There is no adult-use dispensary category to buffer, since Pennsylvania has not legalized recreational cannabis sales.