New Bedford, MA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)

Section 3. Local control (a) A city or town may adopt ordinances and by-laws that impose reasonable safeguards on the operation of marijuana establishments, provided they are not unreasonably impracticable and are not in conflict with this chapter or with regulations made pursuant to this chapter and that: (1) govern the time, place and manner of marijuana establishment operations and of any business dealing in marijuana accessories, except that zoning ordinances or by-laws shall not operate to: (i) prevent the conversion of a medical marijuana treatment center licensed or registered not later than July 1, 2017 engaged in the cultivation, manufacture or sale of marijuana or marijuana products to a marijuana establishment engaged in the same type of activity under this chapter; or (ii) limit the number of marijuana establishments below the limits established pursuant to clause (2); (2) limit the number of marijuana establishments in the city or town [...]; (3) restrict the licensed cultivation, processing and manufacturing of marijuana that is a public nuisance; (4) establish reasonable restrictions on public signs related to marijuana establishments [...]; and (5) establish a civil penalty for violation of an ordinance or by-law enacted pursuant to this subsection, similar to a penalty imposed for violation of an ordinance or by-law relating to alcoholic beverages.