Maryland County Backs Away From MMJ Ban

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An official behind a proposal to ban medical cannabis businesses in a Maryland county has dropped the idea and is now instead pushing for a zoning rule that would prohibit MMJ companies from locating within 1,000 feet of schools and homes.

Steve Schuh – executive of Anne Arundel County, which includes the capital Annapolis and many nearby cities – abandoned the notion of a ban after failing to garner enough support from other officials. Maryland’s attorney general also had warned that such a move could be illegal under state law.

Schuh’s new plan involves zoning restrictions that appear to be modeled in part on similar rules in other states where MMJ is legal. The ordinance is on the strict side, however, and prohibits businesses from displaying cannabis in windows.

Maryland, which will ultimately license 15 cultivators and up to 109 dispensaries, opened its business license application period last month. The application window closes Nov. 6.