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Springfield, MA Cannabis Regulations: Buffer Zones (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

School buffer
500 feet, K-12 schools
Residential buffer
250 feet (non-retailers)
Retailer-to-retailer buffer
300 feet apart
Small parcel rule
Within 50 ft needs 20,000 sf lot
Measurement method
Straight line, entrance to entrance

Summary

Springfield bars adult-use marijuana establishments within 500 feet of K-12 schools, 250 feet of homes or residential zones, and requires 300 feet between marijuana retailers, measured straight-line under Zoning Ordinance § 4.7.114.

2. No ADULT USE MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENT shall be located within five hundred (500) feet of pre-existing public or private school providing education in kindergarten or any of grades one (1) through twelve (12)... 4. No ADULT USE MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENT, with the exception of an ADULT USE MARIJUANA RETAILER, shall be located within two hundred fifty (250) feet of a residence... 5. No ADULT USE MARIJUANA RETAILER shall be located within three hundred (300) feet of another MARIJUANA RETAILER.

View official code

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

Full Breakdown

Zoning Ordinance § 4.7.114.A sets Springfield's marijuana buffers: 500 feet from any pre-existing public or private school serving kindergarten through grade twelve, measured straight-line from the establishment's entrance to the school's entrance (per 935 CMR 500.110(3), or along the shortest pedestrian path if a barrier blocks the line); 250 feet from any residence, building containing residences, or residential zoning district (retailers are exempt from this specific rule but still must clear the 500-foot school buffer); and 300 feet between any two marijuana retailers. Retailers within 50 feet of residentially zoned property also need a 20,000-square-foot parcel.

Violations & Fines

Siting an establishment inside a required buffer is a zoning violation: Building Commissioner enforcement, a $100 first-offense fine ($300 per repeat day), injunctive relief, and denial of other permits until resolved (§ 11.1.20).

Frequently Asked Questions

How far must a Springfield marijuana business be from a school?
At least 500 feet from any pre-existing K-12 public or private school, measured straight-line entrance to entrance under § 4.7.114.A(2).
Do marijuana retailers need a residential buffer in Springfield?
The blanket 250-foot residential buffer exempts retailers, but a retailer within 50 feet of residential zoning must sit on a parcel of at least 20,000 square feet, per § 4.7.114.A(8).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Springfield

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSignificant RestrictionsDispensary ZoningSignificant RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Snow Removal Parking RulesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome Restrictions

All Springfield rules

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

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