Longmont, CO Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Longmont's commercial cannabis framework lives in LMC Title 6 Chapter 6.70 (Marijuana Licensing). The city exercised its authority under Colorado Constitution Article XVIII, Section 16(5)(f) to opt out of commercial cultivation, product manufacturing, and testing facilities; only retail marijuana stores (and, since 2025, hospitality establishments) may operate inside city limits. The number of retail stores is capped at four under the 2017 opt-in ordinance, and LMC § 6.70.050 puts City Council in the role of Marijuana Licensing Authority that issues, renews, and revokes those licenses. The Authority grants two license types: recreational marijuana licenses and dual recreational/medical licenses; medical center operations are referenced at LMC § 6.70.220. No single entity may own or operate more than one Longmont store. Operating hours are constrained — by state law to 8:00 a.m.-midnight and by local rule, with most Longmont retailers operating 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Each location must comply with state buffer rules (C.R.S. 44-10-303(2)) prohibiting siting within 1,000 feet of a school, alcohol/drug treatment facility, residential childcare, or correctional facility unless the local jurisdiction adopts variances. Longmont's zoning code restricts the use to specific commercial and industrial districts and applies its own setbacks via Land Development Code overlays. On January 28, 2025, City Council approved Ordinance O-2025-15 establishing marijuana hospitality licenses, which may operate as consumption-only or combined retail/consumption venues under separate license caps and operational rules. New retail license applications are not currently being accepted while the city is at its four-store cap.