Medical marijuana dispensaries may face new zoning restrictions

New Hampshire is considering applications from groups looking to open medicinal marijuana dispensaries in the state. Under the state’s medical marijuana law, four dispensaries will be permitted to operate, one in each region of the state.

The law also requires dispensaries to be more than 1,000 feet from a school or designated drug-free zone.

In addition, several towns are proposing ordinances that would restrict where dispensaries can operate within their boundaries.

Epping’s town council voted to restrict dispensaries to industrial locations earlier this year. Concord, Laconia, and Dover are eyeing similar ordinances. Franklin tabled plans to change its zoning rules.

At the same time, the Senate will be voting this week on a bill that would allow dispensaries to operate satellite locations beyond the four dispensaries permitted by the state, meaning several more towns may look toward zoning ordinances.