Ocean City, Maryland, has lifted its ban on cannabis dispensaries following a unanimous vote by the town council on Monday night. This decision ends a moratorium that had been in place since recreational cannabis was legalized in Maryland in July of 2023.
This small resort town, with a population of 6,915, attracts about 8 million visitors annually, especially during the summer.
The new zoning regulations closely follow state guidelines, setting clear boundaries for dispensaries. They must be at least 100 feet from residential areas and 500 feet from schools, playgrounds, childcare centers, libraries, parks and places of worship. Dispensaries must also be spaced at least half a mile apart.
High By The Beach
These rules don't prevent dispensaries from opening on the Ocean City boardwalk, as beaches aren't explicitly classified as public parks in the zoning code.
While some residents welcome the economic boost and convenience of local dispensaries, others worry about their impact on family-friendly areas like the boardwalk, according to WBOC.
City Manager Terry McGean noted that no dispensary applications have been submitted yet, but the new guidelines position Ocean City to integrate cannabis businesses responsibly.
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Cannabis In Maryland
Cannabis has become a significant issue in Maryland. Legal sales have exceeded $1.1 billion since July 1, 2023. Adult-use sales have brought in over $700 million, while medical sales have generated nearly $400 million.
Key achievements in Maryland include the nation's first cannabis business licensing round for social equity applicants, the launch of a Cannabis Workforce Development Program and Governor Moore's expungement of 175,000 cannabis-related convictions.
Ocean City visitors might soon have the option to stop by a dispensary before hitting the beach, blending the area's relaxed vibe with the benefits of legal cannabis.
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