ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque City Councilors are expected to vote Monday on a zoning proposal that would place new restrictions on where future cannabis dispensaries and nicotine retailers can operate within the city.
The proposal would double the required separation distance between cannabis dispensaries and increase the buffer requirements between nicotine retail businesses, including smoke shops.
If approved, the new regulations would apply only to new businesses and existing businesses seeking to relocate. Current dispensaries and nicotine retailers would not be affected.
The measure also includes a provision that would prohibit drive-thru windows at nicotine retail stores, a change supporters say would help regulate how those businesses operate.
Large grocery stores that sell nicotine products would be exempt from the proposed restrictions.
Supporters of the ordinance say the changes are intended to address concerns about the concentration of cannabis and nicotine retailers in certain parts of the city, while opponents have raised questions about how the new requirements could affect future business development.
The City Council is expected to consider the proposal during its meeting Monday.
