First Cannabis Retail Location Approvals Issued by the City

February 28, 2022

ALBUQUERQUE – The City of Albuquerque is approving retail locations for the new recreational cannabis industry. On February 4, 2022, the City launched a Cannabis Retail Location Approval website at www.cabq.gov/cannabis which includes the rules, frequently asked questions, and a link to the simple and free online application.

Within three weeks of launching the online application for cannabis retail location approvals, the City received 35 applications. The Planning Department is processing those applications and has finished approving 24 of them so far. Approved applicants were sent their signed approval letters. Common reasons an application could be denied include an incomplete application, failure to first obtain a State-issued cannabis retail license, or a violation of the Integrated Development Ordinance’s separation and zoning requirements. In general, cannabis retail locations must be at least 600 feet away from each other. However, this separation requirement does not apply to microbusinesses or medical-only dispensaries.

In addition, the City’s interactive Cannabis Retail Location Approvals Map created by the Albuquerque Geographical Information Systems (AGIS) division is now available online. The map displays the applications for cannabis retail locations and their review status.

The City held a series of Community Cannabis Equity Convenings in late January 2022 and welcomes continued feedback through our online feedback form at www.cabq.gov/cannabisequity. Additional opportunities for public comment on the City’s social equity program will be available over the coming weeks.

For more information about the launch of the Cannabis Retail Location Approval website and application, see the City’s press release from February 4, 2022. If you have questions regarding the application process, please email [email protected].

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