Newton, MA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Allowed districts (retail/MTC)
- BU2, BU4, BU5, Mixed Use 1
- Permit type
- City Council special permit
- Retailer cap
- 20% of package-store licenses
- Max floor area
- 5,000 sq ft
- Operating hours cap
- 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Summary
Newton has not opted out of cannabis retail: Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and Marijuana Retailers may locate only by City Council special permit in the BU2, BU4, BU5 and Mixed Use 1 districts under Zoning Ordinance Sec. 6.10.3, while licensed marijuana couriers and delivery operators are allowed as-of-right in the Manufacturing and Limited Manufacturing districts.
D. Marijuana uses allowed by special permit. Use of land, buildings or structures for an MTC or Marijuana Establishment shall be allowed only by special permit in the districts specified in Sec. 4.4.1 subject to the requirements and criteria of this Sec. 6.10.3. E. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs C and D above, licensed marijuana couriers and licensed delivery operators are allowed as-of-right in the districts specified in Sec. 4.4.1... Medical Marijuana Treatment Center -- SP -- SP SP SP -- -- -- -- -- Sec. 6.10.3
Full Breakdown
D allows an MTC or Marijuana Establishment only by special permit in the districts specified in Sec. 1's use table, and that table shows Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers and Marijuana Retailers requiring a special permit in the BU2, BU4, BU5 and MU1 (Mixed Use 1) districts, with the use not allowed at all in BU1, BU3, MU2, MU3, MU4, the Manufacturing district or Limited Manufacturing. E carves out an as-of-right exception for licensed marijuana couriers and licensed delivery operators, who may operate in the Manufacturing and Limited Manufacturing districts without a special permit, though not as storefronts.
Marijuana cultivators, product manufacturers and craft marijuana cooperatives are confined by the same use table to a special permit in the Limited Manufacturing district only. No MTC or Marijuana Establishment can get a building permit or certificate of occupancy without proof of current registration with the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, and Sec. 2 requires the establishment to file its certificate and every annual renewal with the City Council clerk within a week of issuance, plus immediately notify the Newton Police Department of any change in registration status.
c. 138 § 15, and each retailer or MTC is limited to 5,000 square feet of floor area and barred from a building that also contains a residential use. m.
Violations & Fines
The City Council issues and can revoke the special permit; day-to-day compliance is enforced by the Commissioner of Inspectional Services under Sec. 7.9, with unregistered or noncompliant operation treated as an unpermitted zoning use subject to a fine of not more than $300 for each day the violation continues under Sec. 7.9.1.1, on top of loss of the certificate of occupancy if state registration lapses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Newton opted out of allowing cannabis dispensaries?
What is the maximum size for a Newton marijuana retailer?
What hours can a Newton dispensary be open?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Newton
Compare Newton to another location·View the Massachusetts cannabis regulations overview
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Dispensary Zoning in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle dispensary zoning.