Paterson, NJ Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitted zones
- I-1, I-2, M-U only
- Retail in commercial zones
- Not allowed here
- Statutory authority
- N.J.S.A. 24:6I-45
- License classes
- 6 classes established citywide
Summary
Paterson has not opted out of cannabis businesses, it licenses six classes citywide, but overrides the state's default zoning so every class, including retailers, is permitted only in the I-1, I-2 and M-U zones.
The default statutory standards for zoning of cannabis licensees — which would ordinarily authorize nonretailers in industrial zones, and retailers in commercial zones — shall under the authority of N.J.S.A. 24:6I-45 be superseded by the following standard: cannabis licensees of any kind shall be permitted uses only in I-1, I-2 and M-U Zones.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 172, adopted 6-28-2022, affirmatively establishes cultivator, manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, retailer and delivery licenses as permissible in the city (§ 172-2.A), so Paterson has not opted out under state law. But § 172-4.B uses the authority of N.J.S.A. 24:6I-45 to supersede the statutory default, which would ordinarily put nonretailers in industrial zones and retailers in commercial zones, with a single citywide rule: cannabis licensees of any kind are a permitted use only in the I-1, I-2 and M-U zones.
Violations & Fines
A cannabis business sited outside I-1, I-2 or M-U zoning is not a permitted use and is subject to the city's licensing, zoning and nuisance enforcement under Chapter 172.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a dispensary open in a Paterson commercial (C) zone?
Has Paterson opted out of cannabis businesses?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
Compare Paterson to another location·View the New Jersey cannabis regulations overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.