SNOW HILL – County officials approved emergency legislation that will govern the locations of future cannabis dispensaries.
The Worcester County Commissioners last week voted unanimously to approve legislation that will require dispensaries to maintain a minimum separation distance of 2,000 feet from a pre-existing primary or secondary school, a licensed childcare center, a playground, recreation center, library or public park, and from other licensed dispensaries.
The commissioners have been working toward the new regulations since statewide cannabis changes were implemented earlier this year. Jennifer Keener, the county’s director of development review and permitting, approached the commissioners this summer seeking guidance regarding the county’s zoning approach to cannabis. The elected officials made it clear they wanted larger separation distances than those permitted by the state.
Keener used the commissioners’ input and worked with the county attorney to draft a bill addressing cannabis establishments. When she presented it this fall, she also provided the commissioners with a map showing the distances between the two existing dispensaries and local schools and childcare facilities.
The ordinance presented includes provisions for dispensaries permitted after July 1, 2023, that requires them to maintain a minimum separation distance of 2,000 feet from a pre-existing primary or secondary school, a licensed childcare center, a playground, recreation center, library or public park, and from other licensed dispensaries.
I think having legal cannabis available in general s a very bad idea, and I voiced my opinion during the public input sessions as a medical professional actively working in mental health at both Tidal Health/PRMC and AGH. My reasoning is based on significant research available and the alarming rate of psychosis that can occur in a great many people that we see in the emergency room (usually brought in by police).
While medically available cannabis does have medicinal uses (under the care of a medically competent and licensed provider) I have objections and am not looking forward to the results of the fallout that will occur due to this.
Will Rick Pollitt be allowed to smoke while his feet are propped up on the big desk?