Monroe County, PA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Type
- Medical only
- State licensor
- PA Dept. of Health
- Zoning
- Township/borough (35 P.S. §10231.2107)
- School/day-care setback
- 1,000 feet
- Recreational retail
- Not lawful
Summary
Only state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries may operate in Monroe County; no recreational sales exist. The Department of Health licenses them, state law sets a 1,000-foot school and day-care setback, and each township or borough handles the zoning.
A dispensary shall meet the same municipal zoning and land use requirements as other commercial facilities that are located in the same zoning district.
Full Breakdown
Pennsylvania permits medical marijuana dispensaries only, licensed by the state Department of Health under the Medical Marijuana Act (Act 16 of 2016). Where one may operate is a township or borough decision: under 35 P.S. §10231.2107, a dispensary must meet the same municipal zoning and land use requirements as other commercial facilities in the same zoning district, and state law separately bars a dispensary within 1,000 feet of a school or day-care center. Monroe County municipalities may add conditional-use approval, setbacks, and hour limits through their zoning ordinances. The county itself has no siting role, and no recreational or adult-use retail is lawful anywhere in Pennsylvania.
Violations & Fines
A dispensary operating without a state license, or outside the host municipality's zoning approval, faces license denial or revocation by the Department of Health and local zoning enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cannabis dispensaries allowed in Monroe County?
How far must a dispensary be from a school?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Monroe County
Compare Monroe County to another location·View the Pennsylvania cannabis regulations overview
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