New York Cannabis Law and OCM regulations impose minimum buffer distances between licensed adult-use cannabis retailers and schools, houses of worship, and other dispensaries; Westchester municipalities can add stricter local zoning overlays.
Under New York Cannabis Law and Office of Cannabis Management regulations, an adult-use retail dispensary generally cannot be located within 500 feet of a school grounds entrance or within 200 feet of a house of worship measured along the public way. Two licensed dispensaries must also maintain a minimum separation. Westchester municipalities that did not opt out of retail (most did not, allowing county-wide retail) may impose tighter buffers from parks, libraries, and youth facilities through local zoning. Operators must demonstrate compliance with state proximity rules at the OCM application stage and with municipal buffers at site plan review.
OCM license denial or revocation; local zoning denial of certificate of occupancy; injunctive relief blocking opening.
See how White Plains's buffer zones rules stack up against other locations.
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