SOLON, Ohio — City officials are proposing new zoning regulations that would limit how close marijuana dispensaries and vape shops can be to one another.
It’s in an effort to manage over-concentration, promote public health and reduce youth exposure to cannabis and vape marketing.
A text amendment to Solon’s zoning code will be discussed at the June 24 Planning Commission meeting.
If approved by the commission, the proposal would then need approval from City Council before it could take effect.
The amendment would require a minimum three-mile separation between both marijuana dispensaries and vape shops, regardless of zoning district.
The change would apply only to new businesses or any existing business that relocates or changes its use.
“Marijuana is regulated by the State of Ohio, which imposes and administers strict controls on dispensaries to help ensure their operations do not negatively impact the public health, safety or welfare,” said Michael Ionna, Solon’s director of planning and community development.
“As communities across Ohio adapt to the legalization of marijuana, the goal of the text amendment is to manage the number of dispensaries that can locate within the city.”
Solon currently has two marijuana dispensaries in the process of opening along Aurora Road. They are about one mile apart.
Although the state requires a one-mile minimum distance between dispensaries, city officials say it does not take municipal boundaries or localized clustering into account.
According to Ionna, under the proposed amendment, only one dispensary would be permitted in Solon; the existing two would be considered legal nonconforming uses.
If either business closes, it could not reopen or be replaced with another dispensary.
“These two businesses have met all existing state and local requirements,” Ionna said. “They would be allowed to continue operating, but if one were to close, it would not be permitted to reopen.”
Community input helped shape the proposed rules, particularly concerns from residents, City Council and Mayor Ed Kraus about the impact clustering could have on neighborhood character and commercial corridors.
“Clear concerns were expressed about the potential over-concentration of marijuana dispensaries and the impact that clustering could have,” Ionna said.
A similar issue has arisen with vape shops. According to the city, three vape retailers are currently located within 550 feet of each other near the intersection of SOM Center and Aurora roads.
Officials also cited widespread violations related to signage, lighting and the use of non-permitted banners and flags.
The vape shop amendment mirrors the dispensary rule, requiring at least three miles between any two vape shops.
Existing stores would be grandfathered in as legal nonconforming uses.
“The intended outcomes of this amendment are to prevent over-concentration of vape retailers in key commercial corridors, enhance visual aesthetics, promote better code compliance and reduce public exposure to vape-related marketing,” city documents state.
Ionna emphasized that the city is trying to balance access for adults with the need to protect youth and maintain community standards.
“While the City recognizes the legitimate medical uses and economic opportunities associated with marijuana, it also has a responsibility to protect youth and uphold public health,” he said.
“The proposed approach is to strike a careful balance — allowing regulated access where appropriate while implementing zoning safeguards to minimize youth exposure.”
If the amendments pass, the city would conduct strict zoning reviews and regular inspections to enforce the new rules.
“City staff is committed to ensuring dispensaries operate responsibly and in line with the proposed regulations and expectations of the community, City Council and our mayor,” Ionna said.
He added that the regulations are not intended to block marijuana dispensaries entirely, noting that both state and Solon voters approved legalization.
“It’s about making sure we do it the right way,” he said. “The goal was to build a responsible framework that ensures safe access for adults — especially those with medical needs — while keeping the well-being of our neighborhoods and the safety of our youth at the forefront.”
Read more from the Chagrin Solon Sun.
Solon is considering zoning changes that would limit how closely marijuana dispensaries and vape shops can operate to prevent overconcentration and protect public health. Read More
