Rockville council approves zoning change to allow cannabis retail, including drive-throughs

The Rockville Mayor and Council on June 9 adopted a zoning text amendment to add cannabis dispensaries as a conditional use in areas where retail use is permitted, including an option to allow drive-through service.

The proposal codifies separation distances set by state law: a 500-foot buffer between dispensaries and specified sensitive uses such as parks, schools and places of worship, and a 1,000-foot separation between dispensaries themselves. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval before the council hearing.

Planning staff member Jim Wasilek described the measure as "a zoning text amendment that proposes to add cannabis dispensaries as a conditional use in areas where retail use is permitted." He told the council the text amendment would "codify those distance requirements, which are the same as they are in state code." Wasilek also noted Montgomery County is considering a separate approach that would require a 100-foot setback from properties containing residential uses.

Public commenters urged the council to permit drive-through operations. Steve Van Grama, who said he had consulted with cannabis operators, told the council, "We think a drive through should be acceptable for a cannabis dispensary." Resident John Becker asked staff to help the public visualize the separation distances; staff said 1,000 feet is "a little bit less than a quarter of a mile," roughly a comfortable walking distance.

Councilmembers debated on-site consumption and the drive-through language, which was added to a republished packet before the hearing. Wasilek told the council that the ordinance does not include a prohibition on on-site consumption; he also explained that any on-site consumption licensing is administered by the Maryland Cannabis Administration under state law. Council members asked staff to track county-level actions and to coordinate enforcement responsibilities between zoning staff and the state regulator.

Councilwoman Valeri moved to adopt the zoning text amendment that explicitly includes drive-through establishments; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Jackson and passed on a 6-1 vote. Councilwoman Fulton recorded a public opposition to on-site consumption and voted no. The council also voted earlier to waive the usual layover period so the ordinance could be adopted at the same meeting.

Council members asked staff to keep them advised as the new regulations are implemented and to report any major enforcement or operational issues affecting Rockville Police Department or zoning staff.

The text amendment is recorded as Zoning Text Amendment TXT2025-025270; implementation will involve permitting and coordination with the Maryland Cannabis Administration and county zoning activity.