Licensee made Francis Scott Key inquiry as approval moves forward in Pocomoke
The company licensed to open Worcester County’s third cannabis dispensary was exploring a potential location in West Ocean City as recently as late August while simultaneously moving toward site plan approval for a dispensary in Pocomoke City.
Even as Pocomoke City officials advanced its plans for a dispensary in a long-vacant former restaurant on Route 13, Guru Ventures was considering a location on the Francis Scott Key property along Route 50, according to emails provided by the county to OC Today-Dispatch.
The company’s state-issued license authorizes one dispensary in Worcester County. It could not operate both locations under that license.
When reached for comment, licensee Shreif Shata said the hotel site had been “formally denied,” but declined to identify who issued the denial or provide a copy of any written decision.
“Old news, can’t be done with the property,” Shata said in a text message.
Worcester County officials, however, described their review as limited and left open a potential route to approval.
Planning Director Jennifer Keener said Guru Ventures’ initial request was general and did not include specific development plans. The county therefore focused on identifying a potential conflict with separation-distance requirements.
