Wilmington City Council has passed Ordinance 25-013, which amends Chapter 48 of the City Code to permit and regulate the cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and retail sale of marijuana within specific zoning districts in the city. (Photo by Martijn Baudoin)
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Where marijuana businesses can operate
Under Ordinance 25-013, marijuana businesses are allowed to operate “by default” in the following zones:- C-5 (Heavy Commercial) – Areas suited for large commercial operations.
- M-1 (Light Manufacturing) – Areas for light manufacturing like workshops or smaller factories.
- M-2 (General Industrial) – Zones designated for industrial activities like large factories and warehouses.
- W-1, W-2, W-3 (Waterfront Manufacturing/Commercial Zones) – Waterfront areas designated for both manufacturing and commercial activities.
Buffer zones for community safety
To protect local residents and schools, the ordinance establishes a 300-foot buffer zone. This means marijuana businesses cannot operate within 300 feet of:- Residential areas
- K-12 schools (both public and private)
Types of marijuana businesses
The ordinance defines four main types of marijuana businesses:- Cultivation Facilities – Places where marijuana is grown and packaged for sale.
- Manufacturing Facilities – Facilities where marijuana is turned into products like edibles or oils.
- Testing Facilities – Locations that test marijuana for safety and potency.
- Retail Marijuana Stores – Stores where consumers can purchase marijuana directly.
Claudia is a Philadelphia-based journalist and reporter passionate about storytelling that informs and engages the community. Claudia, a proud Temple University graduate, has built a career covering impactful stories and creating compelling content across digital and print media platforms. With a strong background in writing, editing, and research, Claudia has worked on various topics, from local news to in-depth features, always striving to deliver meaningful and accurate reporting.
