2023 Cannabis & Counties: Discussions on Public Health, Workforce, Land Use, & Revenue

MACo hosted a one-day symposium on October 19 for county officials and professionals focus on how the legalization of adult use cannabis affects public health, workforce, land use and revenue in the counties.

Following the decision by voters to legalize cannabis, the General Assembly passed legislation establishing a framework for what is expected to be a thriving industry. However, this legislation also raised significant questions for counties, such as: What public health programs are needed to educate communities, and how will they be funded? What implications does this have for drug-free workplaces, especially considering cannabis remains illegal at the federal level? What regulatory powers do counties retain regarding the operation of cannabis businesses in their communities, and how will cannabis impact local revenues?

Throughout the symposium, experts addressed these challenges, examining the current state of affairs and identifying areas for improvement in future legislative sessions. Attendees engaged in the following insightful discussions, gaining valuable insights into the complex landscape surrounding adult-use cannabis in Maryland.

Public Health Strategies for Adult-Use Cannabis

  • Dianna E. Abney, MD, FAAP - Health Officer, Charles County 
  • Junie Delizo, MD, MPH - Health Officer, Allegany County

Communities and Cannabis: Public Safety Components of the Adult-Use Market

  • Sgt. Tom Morehouse – Police Department, Baltimore County

Cannabis in the Public Workplace: A Practical View

  • Matt Peter, Director of Human Resources, Local Government Insurance Trust (LGIT) 

Cannabis in Your Community: A Look at County Land Use 

  • Kevin Kinnally, Legislative Director, MACo 
  • Dominic Butchko, Associate Policy Director, MACo

The Cannabis Landscape: Market Trends, Revenues, and More! 

  • Will Tilburg, Acting Director, Maryland Cannabis Administration  
  • Shad Ewart, Professor, Anne Arundel Community College  
  • Kali Schumitz, VP of External Relations, Maryland Center on Economic Policy 

Learn more about the event and speakers by viewing MACo’s Twitter coverage highlighted on our Conduit Street blog.