OCEAN CITY – Officials in Ocean City voted this week to establish a moratorium on businesses that grow, process or sell cannabis.
After voting Tuesday to prohibit the issuance of on-site cannabis licenses, the Mayor and Council had before them a resolution establishing a moratorium on the acceptance or processing of applications or site plans or the issuance of other zoning approvals or business licenses for businesses that grow, process or sell cannabis. City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said the temporary ban will allow officials to study and consider zoning and other regulations permitted under the new Cannabis Reform Act.
“Our new governor signed that act into law on May 3 of this year and subsequently towns, municipalities, counties are permitted to adopt certain zoning regulations that work in conjunction with that act,” she said. “This council, I believe, was very diligent in its efforts and direction in having staff look into that. But the reality is this is a new horizon. This is not a matter without tentacles and of course this council’s primary concern is for the safety, welfare and health of not only its residents but its visitors.”
In the November election, two-thirds of voters supported a statewide referendum to legalize recreational marijuana. And in May, Gov. Wes Moore signed Maryland’s cannabis reform bill into law, paving the way for recreational sales beginning July 1. The legislation essentially establishes an adult-use cannabis industry through the creation of tax rates and licensing framework.
“Within the act, there are various committees and administrations formed, primarily the Maryland Cannabis Administration,” Stansbury told the council this week. “Amongst other things, that administration is tasked to adopt various regulations. As that administration is working through those regulations, as are we. And we simply believe there is not enough time for you all to make informed, meaningful decisions about cannabis and the cannabis zoning that you are permitted to consider.”
Remember, moratorium is a fancy substitution for the topic being “tabled”. Which actually is ok for City Hall. Sounds weird because history shows us many a time jumping into something (with true understanding or guidance) because one of the council “felt” or “thought” it was a great deal.
Only to fall apart.
This time tabling discussion is wise. Pot is an unknown revenue generator since its up to the states….real longterm data isnt there….but it is a revenue generator we NEED. Not some flippin wind mills or solar panels. Something solid and pot has been around forever.
Kudos this time Rickie and Co……but eventually you or your replacements will approve it
“We NEED”. Right, all the world needs are more mentally unstable, under the influence people operating motor vehicles along our streets and highways. It’s really sad when government puts monetary income over the safety of citizens. Smoke on, we need less of your kind.
Smok’em if you got em
Dear Readers,
Research has shown that cannabis use is associated with an increased risk for an earlier onset of psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia) in people with other risk factors, such as family history. Cannabis intoxication can also induce a temporary psychotic episode in some individuals, especially at high doses. Experiencing such an episode may be linked with a risk for later developing a psychotic disorder. A person’s genetics may play a role in this relationship.
Regards,
Paladin