Baytown, TX Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Recreational Dispensaries
- Not permitted in Texas
- Legal Program
- Compassionate Use only
- Licensed Dispensaries
- 3 statewide, none in Baytown
- Local Zoning
- No cannabis-specific provisions
- Planning Dept
- (281) 420-6530
Summary
Texas does not allow traditional cannabis dispensaries. Only licensed Compassionate Use dispensing organizations may operate under strict state regulation. Baytown does not have local zoning provisions for cannabis retail. Any future dispensing organization would require state licensing and compliance with local zoning for the applicable use category.
Sec. 481.121. OFFENSE: POSSESSION OF MARIHUANA. (a) Except as authorized by this chapter, a person commits an offense if the person knowingly or intentionally possesses a usable quantity of marihuana.(b) An offense under Subsection (a) is:(1) a Class B misdemeanor if the amount of marihuana possessed is two ounces or less;(2) a Class A misdemeanor if the amount of marihuana possessed is four ounces or less but more than two ounces;(3) a state jail felony if the amount of marihuana possessed is five pounds or less but more than four ounces;(4) a felony of the third degree if the amount of marihuana possessed is 50 pounds or less but more than 5 pounds;(5) a felony of the second degree if the amount of marihuana possessed is 2,000 p
Full Breakdown
Texas does not permit recreational cannabis dispensaries. The only legal cannabis distribution is through the Compassionate Use Program administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety. As of 2024, only three licensed dispensing organizations operate statewide, and none are located in Baytown. These organizations are regulated at the state level and must comply with DPS licensing requirements including security, testing, and distribution protocols. Baytown's Unified Land Development Code does not contain specific zoning provisions for cannabis dispensaries because the use is not generally permitted under state law. If a Compassionate Use dispensary sought to locate in Baytown, it would need to comply with applicable commercial or medical zoning district requirements and obtain a certificate of occupancy. Local governments in Texas cannot authorize cannabis retail operations beyond what state law permits. Contact Baytown Planning and Development at (281) 420-6530 for zoning questions.
Violations & Fines
Operating an unauthorized cannabis dispensary is a felony under Texas law. Distribution of marijuana outside the Compassionate Use Program is prosecuted as delivery of a controlled substance with penalties ranging from a state jail felony to a first-degree felony depending on quantity. Baytown PD can be reached at (281) 422-8371.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there cannabis dispensaries in Baytown?
Could a medical cannabis dispensary open in Baytown?
Can Baytown create its own cannabis dispensary rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Baytown
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Baytown to another location·View the Texas cannabis regulations overview
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Dispensary Zoning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle dispensary zoning.