Recreational marijuana laws changing, Worcester County

WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. – Worcester county commissioners passing new rules when it comes to recreational marijuana. They’re changing the separation distance between certain establishments and dispensaries and how and where marijuana can be consumed.

Item fifteen in the newly approved legislation by the Worcester County Government prohibits the public consumption of marijuana within a cretain distance of a school, alcohol beverage establishment, youth center or place of worship.

Abbott told 47ABC that commissioners decided make the change to limit public use around certain establishments.

“The state’s recommendation for distancing was 500 feet.”

“We did not find that acceptable for our schools, libraries and parks, so we went to 2,000 square feet.”

After officials consulted with local law enforcement, Abbott says county officials are unsure about any on-site consumption facilities until there is a way to accurately detect marijuana impairment, similar to how it is with alcohol when using a breathalyzer to determine someones BAC.

Worcester county is planning more licenses getting approved in the upcoming months. The extended distancing will only apply to newly approved license holders, not to those who have existing licenses.