Arlington Heights, IL Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Arlington Heights permits licensed cannabis dispensaries subject to zoning restrictions established by Village ordinance. Dispensaries are limited to designated commercial zoning districts and require a special use permit approved by the Village Board after public hearing. State law requires dispensaries to be located at least 1,500 feet from any existing dispensary and at least 1,500 feet from the property line of a pre-existing school or daycare center. The Village may impose additional distance requirements from residential zones, parks, and religious institutions. Dispensary operators must hold a valid Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation dispensary license. The Village collects a 3% municipal cannabis retailers' occupation tax on all cannabis sales in addition to state and Cook County taxes. Dispensary hours of operation, signage, security requirements, and odor control measures are regulated through the special use permit conditions. On-site consumption is not permitted at dispensaries. Drive-through dispensary operations are not allowed. The Village reviews each dispensary application individually through the special use permit process, considering factors such as traffic impact, parking adequacy, neighborhood compatibility, and security plans.