Washington, DC Cannabis Regulations: Dispensary Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential district siting
- Prohibited citywide
- School/rec-center buffer
- 300 feet minimum
- Citywide dispensary cap
- 5, up to 8 by rule
- Per-ward dispensary cap
- No more than 2
- Enforcing agency
- Department of Health
Summary
In Washington, D.C., a licensed dispensary or cultivation center cannot locate in a residential district, and must stay at least 300 feet from any preschool, school, or recreation center.
A dispensary or cultivation center shall not locate within any residential district or within 300 feet of a preschool, primary or secondary school, or recreation center.
Full Breakdown
D.C. Code § 7-1671.06(g) bars every registered dispensary and cultivation center from locating in a residential district anywhere in the District, and requires each one to sit at least 300 feet from a preschool, primary school, secondary school, or recreation center. The rule works alongside a citywide registration cap: no more than 5 dispensaries may operate (up to 8 by Mayoral rulemaking), and no more than 2 per election ward. The Department of Health registers, inspects, and can revoke registration from any dispensary or cultivation center that violates the chapter, including this siting restriction.
Violations & Fines
Locating in a residential district or within the 300-foot school/rec-center buffer violates § 7-1671.06(g); the Department of Health can deny, suspend, or revoke a dispensary's or cultivation center's registration for any chapter violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cannabis dispensary open in a D.C. residential district?
How close can a dispensary be to a school in D.C.?
Is there a cap on how many dispensaries D.C. allows?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington
Compare Washington to another location·View the District of Columbia cannabis regulations overview
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