Worcester County, MA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Cannabis establishment zoning across Worcester County is governed by MGL c. 94G, §3 (municipal authority) and 935 CMR 500.000 (CCC regulations). State law mandates retail marijuana establishments maintain a minimum 500-foot setback from any public or private K-12 school, though municipalities may reduce this under §3(a)(2)(C). Worcester County communities vary widely: the City of Worcester zoning ordinance §4.2 allows marijuana retailers in BG-4, BG-5, BG-6, MG-1, MG-2 and certain overlay districts with special permit. Leominster Zoning Ordinance §22-51 restricts retailers to CB and I districts with 500 ft school buffer. Fitchburg, Gardner, Webster, and Southbridge have similar commercial/industrial-only approaches. MGL c. 94G, §3(a)(2)(B) caps retail licenses at 20% of local off-premises alcohol licenses unless a town passes a local referendum. All operators must execute a Host Community Agreement under MGL c. 94G, §3(d) capping community impact fees at 3% of gross sales for up to 8 years. 935 CMR 500.110 requires security plans including 24-hour video surveillance, alarm systems, and limited access areas. Retail hours limited to 8 AM – 10 PM under most Worcester County bylaws. Signage restricted under 935 CMR 500.105(4) — no images of cannabis or consumption.