Philadelphia County permits state-licensed medical cannabis dispensaries only in commercial and industrial zoning districts, with 1,000-foot buffers from schools and daycares per Phila. Zoning Code 14-603(13) and PA Act 16 siting rules.
Pennsylvania Act 16 of 2016 (35 P.S. 10231.101) authorizes the Department of Health to license medical cannabis Dispensaries. Philadelphia Zoning Code 14-603(13) permits dispensaries as-of-right in CMX-3, CMX-4, CMX-5, I-1, I-2, and I-P commercial/industrial districts, with special exception review in certain others. State law requires a minimum 1,000-foot separation between dispensaries and schools or daycares (35 P.S. 10231.601); Philadelphia may apply stricter local buffers. No dispensaries are permitted in residential-only districts. Security plans including surveillance, vaults, and armed transport are mandated by PA DOH regulations (28 Pa. Code 1141). Recreational retail does not exist in PA as of 2026. Dispensaries must also hold Phila. Commercial Activity License and comply with all city zoning and fire permits.
Operation outside authorized zoning: zoning violation up to $10,000 plus injunction. Operation without PA DOH license: felony drug distribution under 35 P.S. 780-113. School buffer violation: license revocation.
See how Philadelphia County's dispensary zoning rules stack up against other locations.
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