Atlanta could expand where medical cannabis dispensaries can open

Zoom in: An ordinance sponsored by Atlanta City Council Members Wayne Martin and Antonio Lewis would create a special permit process for dispensaries that want to operate inside the state-mandated buffers.

Context: Municipalities like Atlanta have had the authority to relax distance requirements since 2021, city planners say (PDF).

• However, the recent expansion of Georgia's medical cannabis program has created a surge of new people looking to join the registry.

Caveat: The new ordinance would not automatically exempt state-licensed medical cannabis from the buffers.

• Proposed dispensary locations would have to be in a zoning district where retail establishments, hospitals and clinics are permitted principal uses.

Applicants would still have to seek recommendations from the local Neighborhood Planning Unit, undergo a city staff review, go before the Zoning Review Board and get final approval or denial by the City Council.

What's next: The city's Zoning Review Board on Thursday recommended the Atlanta City Council approve the ordinance. The proposal now heads to Council's Zoning Committee.

• If approved, the City Council would need to vote on the measure.