Springfield, MA Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Tier 3 Special Permit, City Council
- Allowed districts
- Business A/B/C, Riverfront, Industrial A/Park
- Retailer license cap
- 15 licenses citywide
- Drive-up windows
- Prohibited for all establishments
- Opt-out status
- Not opted out; permits allowed
Summary
Springfield allows adult-use marijuana retailers only in Business A, B, C, Riverfront, Industrial Park and Industrial A districts, with a City Council Tier 3 Special Permit and up to 15 retail licenses citywide.
All ADULT USE MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENTS shall be required to obtain a Tier 3 Special Permit from the City Council... 7. ADULT USE MARIJUANA RETAILER shall only be allowed on streets as identified on the attached list, referenced as "Exhibit A"... and further an ADULT USE MARIJUANA RETAILER shall only be allowed in Business A, Business B, Business C, Riverfront, Riverfront, Industrial Park and Industrial A districts.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Springfield has not opted out of adult-use marijuana; Zoning Ordinance § 4.7.110 requires every Adult Use Marijuana Establishment to obtain a Tier 3 Special Permit from the City Council. Under § 4.7.114.A(7), retailers may locate only on streets listed in the ordinance's Exhibit A and only within Business A, Business B, Business C, Riverfront, Industrial Park and Industrial A districts -- never in a residential zone. The City Council caps the total number of Special Permits for marijuana retailers at fifteen (15) citywide (§ 4.7.115), and retailers cannot use a drive-up window or convert a residential building to the use.
Violations & Fines
Operating without the required Tier 3 Special Permit is a zoning violation: Building Commissioner enforcement, a $100 first-offense fine ($300 each repeat day), injunctive relief, and denial of other permits until resolved (§ 11.1.20).
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Springfield banned marijuana retailers?
Can a marijuana retailer open in a residential Springfield neighborhood?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
Compare Springfield to another location·View the Massachusetts cannabis regulations overview
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