Mississippi Statewide Rule
Mississippi Medical Cannabis Dispensary Zoning State Rules
Key Facts
- Buffer Distance
- 1,000 feet from schools, churches
- Statute
- Miss. Code 41-137-1 et seq.
- Local Opt-Out
- One-time window expired
- Regulator
- MS Dept of Revenue
- Residential Zones
- Prohibited
Summary
The Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act sets statewide minimum buffer distances and zoning rules for licensed dispensaries, requiring at least 1,000 feet from schools, churches, and child care facilities, while allowing municipalities to opt out or impose stricter local rules.
No municipality or county may prohibit dispensaries either expressly or through the enactment of ordinances or regulations that make their operation impracticable in the jurisdiction. The main point of entry of a medical cannabis establishment shall not be located within one thousand (1,000) feet of the nearest property boundary line of any school, church or child care facility. A medical cannabis establishment may receive a waiver to this distance restriction by receiving approval from the school, church or child care facility and by applying for a waiver with its respective licensing agency, provided that the main point of entry of the cannabis establishment is not located within five hundred (500) feet of the nearest property boundary line of any school, church or child care facility.
Full Breakdown
Under Miss. Code Sections 41-137-1 et seq., medical cannabis dispensaries licensed by the Department of Revenue must be located at least 1,000 feet from any school, church, or licensed child care facility, measured property line to property line. Dispensaries may not operate in residential zones and must comply with state security, signage, and operational standards. Cities and counties had a one-time window after passage to opt out of allowing dispensaries by adopting an ordinance; jurisdictions that did not opt out must permit dispensaries in commercially-zoned areas. Local governments may impose additional reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions but cannot reduce state buffer distances.
Violations & Penalties
Operating outside state zoning rules can trigger license suspension or revocation by the Department of Revenue and civil penalties under MSDH and DOR cannabis regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close can a dispensary be to a Mississippi school?
Can a Mississippi city ban dispensaries entirely?
Sources
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