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Cannabis Regulations in Philadelphia, PA (2026)

3 verified cannabis regulations for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Dispensary Zoning

Medical marijuana dispensaries are zoned use-by-use in Philadelphia, barred within 500 feet of schools, parks, playgrounds, libraries, child care sites, and other dispensaries, and excluded entirely from eight designated corridors.

Philadelphia Bars Cannabis Dispensaries Near Schools

Significant Restrictions

Philadelphia Code § 14-603(20)(a)(.1)

No medical marijuana dispensary use may be located: (.a) Within a zoning district where such use is not expressly allowed; (.b) Within 500 ft. of any regulated use...; (.c) Within 500 ft. of any school...; ...(.j) Within the following designated areas: (i) City Avenue from the Schuylkill Expressway to City Boundary...

Social Equity Licensing

Pennsylvania Act 16 of 2016 governs cannabis licensing for medical use only; recreational sales remain illegal. The Department of Health awards a small set of grower and dispensary permits, with a diversity plan required but no formal Philadelphia social-equity carve-out yet.

Pennsylvania medical cannabis licensing has limited equity slots

Some Restrictions

Pennsylvania Department of Health – Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Health continues to implement the state's Medical Marijuana Program, signed into law on April 17, 2016. The Medical Marijuana Program provides access to medical marijuana for patients with a serious medical condition through a safe and effective method of delivery that balances patient need for access to the latest treatments with patient care and safety. This gui...

Buffer Zones

Medical marijuana dispensaries in Philadelphia must sit at least 500 feet from schools, parks, playgrounds, pools, libraries, rec centers, child care and other regulated uses.

Philadelphia Medical Marijuana Dispensary Buffers

Significant Restrictions

Philadelphia Code § 14-603(20)(a)(.1)

No medical marijuana dispensary use may be located: (.a) Within a zoning district where such use is not expressly allowed; (.b) Within 500 ft. of any regulated use...; (.c) Within 500 ft. of any school (up to and including the 12th grade) or its adjunct recreation areas/play fields; (.d) Within 500 ft. of any public playground; ... (.f) Within 500 ft. of any public park...