As Maryland’s lawmakers delve into the nuances of whether to legalize marijuana for recreational use, they’re learning that they have a lot of details to figure out. A joint House of Delegates-Senate work group on legalization met Monday for the second time, as members build up their knowledge of the drug before recommending whether — […]
maryland marijuana
Baltimore to no longer prosecute marijuana possession
Baltimore’s top prosecutor announced Tuesday that the city will no longer prosecute any cases related to marijuana possession, regardless of quantity or a person’s criminal record. Marilyn Mosby, the state’s attorney in Baltimore, is also seeking to have the courts vacate roughly 5,000 prior marijuana convictions going back to 2011, The Associated Press reported. “No one who is serious about public […]
Aboard the ‘canna crawl’ bus, Maryland marijuana patients find community, resources
For the first time in five years, Joppa resident Brandon Bevins feels good. There’s still some pain, but after being diagnosed with bladder cancer at 31, he feels like he’s turning a promising corner. And he owes it all to the medicinal cannabis community, he said. “When you get sick, man, it really beats you down,” the former […]
Maryland Regulators Approve Seven New Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
Maryland marijuana regulators approved this week the opening of seven new medical marijuana dispensaries, including two in Baltimore. The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission granted final approval for the seven dispensaries and for a new processor at its most recent meeting on Tuesday. The new dispensaries in Baltimore are ReLeaf Shop, which is opening April 20 […]
A Maryland MMJ Dispensary Has Banned Four Customers For Complaints Which May Be Against State Law
A medical marijuana dispensary in western Maryland has banned at least four customers because they posted complaints online about pricing or other issues, sparking concern from advocates and potentially violating state rules for the emerging industry. Joy A. Strand, the executive director of the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, said registered dispensaries have the right to decline […]
Maryland State Senate Raises The Amount Of Marijuana One Can Possess, Bans Smoking In Cars
Marylanders stopped by police could carry up to an ounce of marijuana and only face civil fines under a bill the state Senate passed Monday night. But it would be a crime to smoke while driving or riding in the passenger seat of a vehicle. Sen. Robert A. Zirkin, a Baltimore County Democrat, called it “a push and […]
Maryland’s Plan To Diversify Its Medical Marijuana Market Could Backfire
For months, Maryland lawmakers have planned to address the lack of diversity in the state’s nascent medical marijuana industry by offering more licenses. A new round of licensing was supposed to give the black-owned firms that were all but shut out of the first round another chance to gain a foothold in the lucrative industry. […]
In It’s First Week, Maryland Is Running Out Of Medical Marijuana
Maryland’s medical marijuana dispensaries finally opened this week after years of delay, but many are running out of the drug as limited supply is struggling to keep up with high demand. Five of seven licensed dispensaries that started selling the drug in recent days say they’ve either completely or almost run out of flower — the raw […]
Medical Marijuana Sales Have Officially Begun In Maryland
At least 200 would-be customers were lined up outside Rockville’s first medical marijuana dispensary Friday afternoon when one of the owners announced that a cannabis shipment — including elixirs, tablets and flowers — had arrived. Bill Askinazi promised that everyone in line would go home with at least some marijuana, then said computer issues were […]
First Medical Marijuana Dispensary Set To Open In Maryland
SALISBURY, Md.- The first medical marijuana dispensary on the Eastern Shore of Maryland could open within weeks in Salisbury. Other dispensaries are preparing to open as well, possibly next year. They will all do so with a unique set of challenges. Peninsula Alternative Health on Snow Hill Road will be the first to open its doors to […]
Medical Marijuana May Not Arrive in Maryland If Congress Doesn’t Take Action
Maryland’s medical marijuana program, finally about to launch, could remain grounded if Congress fails to extend limits on federal prosecutions for using and selling the drug. Under pressure from the anti-cannabis Attorney General Jeff Sessions, the House of Representatives is balking at preserving an Obama-era provision that gives the states space to decide their own approaches […]
Worried About Feds, University of Maryland’s School of Pharmacy Cancels Medical Marijuana Courses
Citing legal concerns, the University of Maryland’s School of Pharmacy has canceled plans to offer training for those who work in the medical marijuana industry, After consulting with the Maryland attorney general’s office, the university asked pharmacy school officials to cancel the classes, a university spokesman said. While marijuana has been legalized for medical purposes […]
Maryland Adds Eight New Medical Marijuana Growers
Maryland’s medical marijuana regulators approved final licenses for eight growing companies on Monday, allowing them to start cultivating the drug. Several companies said they are ready to begin growing immediately, while others say they will take weeks to get started. “Now, we have a real industry,” said Cary Millstein, CEO of newly licensed grower Freestate […]
Maryland Judge Places Temporary Halt on Medical Marijuana Program
Maryland’s medical marijuana program faces a potential new delay after a judge Thursday ordered a temporary halt to the program pending a hearing as part of a lawsuit that alleges regulators failed to consider racial diversity in licensing businesses. Baltimore Circuit Court Judge Barry Williams granted a temporary restraining order barring the Maryland Medical Cannabis […]
Maryland Medical Marijuana Grower on the Verge of Cultivation Despite Controversy
Since lawmakers approved medical marijuana in Maryland, the nascent industry has been mired in legal and political controversy. A judge is deciding whether the state improperly awarded licenses to grow and process the plant. Black lawmakers said minorities didn’t have a fair chance of getting those licenses. Now the governor has ordered a study. ForwardGro […]
Maryland Lawmakers Look for Diversity in Medical Marijuana Licenses
ANNAPOLIS — The president of the Maryland Senate is sponsoring a bill to increase diversity in medical-marijuana grower licenses after a spate of other legislation addressing the issue failed to gain traction in the Maryland General Assembly. The bill, sponsored by Senate President Thomas V. “Mike” Miller Jr., D-Prince George’s, Charles and Calvert, would grant […]
Lawmakers Want Maryland to Be Next in Recreational Marijuana
A group of Democratic lawmakers in Maryland want the state to join a growing number of others that have legalized marijuana for recreational use, taxing and regulating sales of the drug similar to the way the state deals with alcohol. Legislators said Monday that adults ages 21 and older in Maryland would be able to […]
Maryland Cannabis Commission Attempts to Diversify State’s Medical Marijuana Industry With Diversity Consultant
The Maryland Cannabis Commission announced Monday it will hire a consultant to review what steps — if any — it could take to improve diversity in the state’s nascent medical marijuana industry. Among other tasks, the consultant will determine if it is feasible to conduct a study documenting whether minorities have been unfairly excluded from […]
