Boston regulates cannabis retail establishments through the Boston Cannabis Board (CBC Ord. §8-13) and zoning approval by the BPDA. Dispensaries must be at least 500 feet from schools and require a conditional use permit. The city has prioritized equity applicants and capped the number of non-equity licenses.
Cannabis dispensaries in Boston require approval from the Boston Cannabis Board under CBC Ord. §8-13, a Host Community Agreement with the city, and zoning approval from the BPDA Zoning Board of Appeal. Dispensaries must maintain a 500-foot buffer from pre-existing K-12 schools, measured by a straight line from the nearest point of the property boundary. Boston does not impose a buffer from residential zones but considers neighborhood impact during the licensing process. The city's equity program prioritizes applicants from communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition. Boston has set a goal that at least 50% of cannabis licenses go to equity applicants. Delivery-only licenses and social consumption sites have separate zoning and licensing requirements. Operating hours are typically restricted to 8 AM to 11 PM. All retail locations require security plans including camera systems and on-site security personnel.
Operating without a Boston Cannabis Board license results in enforcement by ISD and potential criminal charges. Violation of the 500-foot school buffer or operating conditions results in license suspension or revocation. Host Community Agreement violations can result in fines and license action.
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See how Boston's dispensary zoning rules stack up against other locations.
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