Prince George’s County Rejects Cannabis Dispensary Restrictions
- The Prince George’s County Council in Maryland failed to pass a measure that would have further restricted the locations of cannabis dispensaries within the county, limiting them to industrial areas or business parks. The legislation needed six votes to pass, but only received five in favor, with one member opposing and two abstaining due to the need for more information.
- Supporters of the failed legislation expressed a desire to prevent dispensaries from opening in shopping centers and strip malls, citing the existence of numerous liquor stores and smoke shops already in these areas as a concern. Opponents pointed to the legalized status of cannabis in Maryland for those 21 and older, as well as the state’s regulation of these businesses. Dispensary owners also opposed the legislation, stating that it would harm the industry particularly as more people of color are seeking licenses to operate in the county.
- Plans are in place to reintroduce the legislation in January, with supporters hoping to find a compromise that addresses all council members’ and residents’ concerns. Currently, there are nine dispensaries operating in Prince George’s County.
Prince George’s County Bill on Cannabis Shop Restrictions Fails to Pass
A proposed law further limiting locations for cannabis dispensaries in Prince George’s County, Maryland failed in the county council’s final vote.
The legislation, requiring a six-vote majority, garnered support from five council members, one opposition, and two abstentions due to insufficient information.
The bill aimed to restrict new cannabis dispensaries to industrial zones and business parks, primarily to prevent them from occupying shopping centers and strip malls.
“The industry wanted to say, ‘Trust us, we’ll do right by the community. Allow us anywhere.’ And I feel like this was a moment the community lost,” expressed Council Member Krystal Oriadha.
The dissenting voice, District 2’s council member Wanika Fisher, argued, “The conversation between legalization and zoning has been conflated during this entire conversation. We’re not here to debate legalization.”
Some Prince George’s County residents worried about the potential proliferation of dispensaries in shopping centers, similar to liquor stores and smoke shops.
“If we failed with other vices like alcohol and tobacco stores, we should avoid repeating that with marijuana,” a concerned resident advised the council.
Those against the bill highlighted that marijuana is already legal for those above 21 and dispensaries are state-regulated businesses.
“Marijuana dispensaries look like Apple stores in San Francisco, but I can’t even secure a sit-down restaurant in my district,” revealed District 6’s Vice Chair Wala Blegay.
Dispensary owners argued the proposed restrictions could adversely affect the industry, especially when more minorities are seeking licenses to open shops.
Bill supporters intend to reintroduce the legislation in January, aiming to find a compromise that addresses everyone’s concerns. Currently, there are nine dispensaries operating in the county.
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