Maryland: Take Action to Stop County-Wide Dispensary Bans

As the Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission moves forward with implementing Maryland’s medical cannabis program, local governments in the state are now considering the issue of zoning requirements for medical cannabis business.

Currently, the Anne Arundel County Council is the only local government with current zoning legislation pending and the impact could harm patients across the county.

Last week, Vice Chair Pete Smith introduced a drastic bill on behalf of County Executive Steve Schuh. The bill would effectively ban all medical cannabis businesses from operating in the county, despite Senator Bobby Zirkin and the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office forcefully speaking out against county bans.

Banning medical cannabis dispensaries would be devastating…