(11/25) Town Attorney Mandy Porter updated the Town Council on the rules that the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) outlines for local jurisdictions on where dispensaries can and cannot be located.
Her research into cannabis dispensaries was a result of multiple inquiries concerning the possible opening of a dispensary in the restricted industrial area of town.
While MCA’s primary focus is on where dispensaries can and cannot be located, they also guide local jurisdictions on the restrictions they are and are not allowed to impose.
These include the distance a dispensary may be to a "sensitive" location. They may not be within 500 feet of primary schools, secondary schools, childcare centers, playgrounds, recreation centers, libraries, places of worship, or public parks or within 1000 feet of another dispensary.
According to Porter, local jurisdictions can choose to increase that number up to 1000 feet and can also restrict a dispensary from being within 100 feet of areas zoned residential use only.
What local jurisdictions may not do is make zoning restrictions more restrictive than the ones existing for registered hemp farms or alcoholic sales.
She asked whether the Town would want to allow dispensaries in the businesses where alcoholic beverage sales are, which is a typical location, or put them in the restricted industrial district. She also suggested the Council consider whether they wanted to impose a "conditional use" clause where it would be under the Council's approval.
Once the Town decides on the rules around allowing a dispensary to open in town, the dispensary applicant would have to follow the State and Town restrictions, making sure electricity and security are up to date prior to opening, as well as other strict requirements.
As of now, Carroll County only has two dispensaries and both are in Westminster. Frederick does have a few dispensaries, however, Porter pointed out that Union Bridge "would be a central location for Carroll County if they choose to allow them."
Mayor Perry Jones was adamant that they do something soon, stating, "I think we really want to get a handle on this before we have to worry about it because it’s going to come this way one day or another."
He mentioned the cannabis grower "Curaleaf" in Taneytown that is a manufacturer of cannabis only and not a dispensary. This classification allows them to be directly beside Memorial Park.
Jones also read the Maryland Comptrollers Report on cannabis sales which showed a 52% increase in cannabis tax revenue equaling $22 million dollars between April and June, showing how a dispensary in Union Bridge could possibly benefit the Town in additional tax revenue.
The Council decided to continue discussion on how they will move forward at a future work session.
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