BALTIMORE COUNTY COUNCIL NOW FINALIZING THEIR RECREATIONAL CANNABIS REGULATIONS, ADDING REC SALES TO THEIR EXISTING MEDICAL CANNABIS ACT. I ALSO HAVE TO QUESTION THE WISDOM OF JUST REMOVING MEDICAL FROM THE FROM THE LEGISLATION AND LUMPING CANNABIS, BOTH ADULT USE AND MEDICAL TOGETHER WITH ONE MAJOR AMENDMENT DECIDING HOW CLOSE DISPENSARIES MAY BE FROM ONE ANOTHER. WE DO HAVE ONE AMENDMENT TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE STATE CHANGING THE DISTANCE BETWEEN DISPENSARIES FROM 2500FT TO 1000FT. COUNTY ATTORNEYS CALLING IT AN ODD SITUATION WHERE STATE LAW SPELLS OUT THE COUNTY CANNOT BE STRICTER THAN WHEN THOUSAND FEET, BUT RATHER MORE LENIENT. I DO NOT LIKE GETTING RID OF THIS DISTANCE REQUIREMENT IN ANY WAY, BUT WE RECOGNIZE THE REALITY OF HOME RULE AND WE HAVE TO VOTE FOR THIS UNDER DURESS, I GUESS. COUNCIL MEMBER TODD CRANDALL SAYS HE STILL FEELS THE STATE IS MOVING TOO FAST WITHOUT CONSIDERING ALL OUTCOMES OTHER MEMBERS STATING THEY FLAT OUT DO NOT WANT TO SEE RECREATIONAL USE HAPPEN. THE VOTERS OF MARYLAND VOTED YES ON RECREATIONAL CANNABIS. I VOTED NO, BUT I WILL VOTE FOR THIS BILL. MR. MARKS. I ALSO VOTED NO. BUT WE’LL VOTE YES FOR THIS BILL. COME JULY 1ST. ANYONE 21 OR OLDER WILL BE ABLE TO PURCHASE RECREATIONAL CANNABIS. A REMINDER NOW UNDER STATE LAW, SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN ANY VEHICLE OR PUBLIC PLACE. THAT INCLUDES PARKS, STREETS AND SIDEWALKS, BARS AND RESTAURANTS AT THE END OF THIS MEETING, ALL SEVEN BOARD MEMBERS VOTED YES ON THE REGULATIONS.
Councilmembers feel 'under duress' to create marijuana regulations
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Updated: 10:14 PM EDT Jun 5, 2023
Baltimore County is finalizing its local regulations for recreational cannabis. But some board members felt "under duress" as they complied with state law."I have to question the wisdom of just removing medical from the legislation and dumping cannabis, both adult use and medical, together," said Councilman Todd Crandell.One major amendment was added Monday — a decision on how close dispensaries can be to one another."We do have one amendment to be consistent with the state — changing the distance between dispensaries from 2,500 feet to 1,000 feet," said Director of Permits Pete Guwald.County attorneys called it an odd situation, as state law says the county cannot be stricter than 1,000 feet, but rather, more lenient."I do not like getting rid of this distance requirement but recognize the reality of home rule, and we have to vote for this under duress, I guess," said Councilman David Marks.Crandell said he still feels the state is moving too fast without considering all outcomes.Other members said, flat out, they do not want to see recreational cannabis use happen at all."The voters of Maryland voted yes on recreational cannabis. I voted no, but I will vote for this bill," said Councilman Wade Kach."I also voted no but will vote yes for this bill," said Councilman David Marks.All seven council members voted yes for the amendment.Starting July 1, anyone 21 or older can purchase recreational cannabis. Under state law, smoking is prohibited in cars and public places, including parks, streets, sidewalks, bars and restaurants.| EXPLAINER: Recreational marijuana passes in Maryland so what's next?
TOWSON, Md. — Baltimore County is finalizing its local regulations for recreational cannabis. But some board members felt "under duress" as they complied with state law.
"I have to question the wisdom of just removing medical from the legislation and dumping cannabis, both adult use and medical, together," said Councilman Todd Crandell.
One major amendment was added Monday — a decision on how close dispensaries can be to one another.
"We do have one amendment to be consistent with the state — changing the distance between dispensaries from 2,500 feet to 1,000 feet," said Director of Permits Pete Guwald.
County attorneys called it an odd situation, as state law says the county cannot be stricter than 1,000 feet, but rather, more lenient.
"I do not like getting rid of this distance requirement but recognize the reality of home rule, and we have to vote for this under duress, I guess," said Councilman David Marks.
Crandell said he still feels the state is moving too fast without considering all outcomes.
Other members said, flat out, they do not want to see recreational cannabis use happen at all.
"The voters of Maryland voted yes on recreational cannabis. I voted no, but I will vote for this bill," said Councilman Wade Kach.
"I also voted no but will vote yes for this bill," said Councilman David Marks.
All seven council members voted yes for the amendment.
Starting July 1, anyone 21 or older can purchase recreational cannabis. Under state law, smoking is prohibited in cars and public places, including parks, streets, sidewalks, bars and restaurants.
| EXPLAINER: Recreational marijuana passes in Maryland so what's next?
