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Reno, NV Cannabis Regulations: Buffer Zones (2026)

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

Key Facts

School buffer
1,000 feet
Community facility buffer
300 feet
Measurement
Property line to property line
State authority
NRS 678B

Summary

Reno requires cannabis retail establishments to maintain minimum separation distances from schools, daycare centers, parks, and community facilities under state-mandated buffer rules and Reno zoning code Title 18.

The physical address where the proposed adult-use cannabis establishment will be located and the physical address of any co-owned additional or otherwise associated adult-use cannabis establishments, the locations of which may not be on the property of an airport, within 1,000 feet of a public or private school that provides formal education traditionally associated with preschool or kindergarten through grade 12 and that existed on the date on which the application for the proposed adult-use cannabis establishment was submitted to the Board, within 300 feet of a community facility that existed on the date on which the application for the proposed adult-use cannabis establishment was submitted to the Board or, if the proposed adult-use cannabis establishment will be located in a county whose population is 100,000 or more, within 1,500 feet of an establishment that holds a nonrestricted gaming license described in subsection 1 or 2 of NRS 463.0177 and that existed on the date on which the application for the proposed adult-use cannabis establishment was submitted to the Board.

Source: NRS 678BView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 678B and Reno Title 18 require cannabis retail stores to be located at least 1,000 feet from schools and 300 feet from community facilities, daycares, and public parks. Distances are measured property line to property line. Reno enforces additional spacing between dispensaries themselves. Owners must verify buffer compliance during the special use permit process. New schools or parks opening near an existing dispensary do not retroactively force closure, but buffer rules block new locations.

Violations & Fines

Operating a cannabis retail location inside a protected buffer zone results in license denial, special use permit revocation, and state Cannabis Compliance Board enforcement actions including fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the buffer apply to private schools?
Yes, both public and licensed private K-12 schools trigger the 1,000-foot buffer. Preschools fall under the daycare 300-foot buffer rule.
Can a dispensary stay open if a school opens nearby?
Yes, existing licensed dispensaries are grandfathered. Buffer rules only apply when establishing or relocating a cannabis retail license.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Reno

All Reno rules

Compare Reno to another location·View the Nevada cannabis regulations overview

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