Local dispensary talks marijuana safety amid higher state taxes

OCEAN CITY, Md. — At the start of this month, Maryland increased taxes on recreational marijuana, and local dispensaries are worried that it may push consumers back into the black market.

Seventy-five-year-old Kathy from Baltimore said, “Back when I was a teenager, you had to make a call, maybe somebody down the road or around the corner. I never thought I’d live to see the day where you could walk in. And it’s a blessing.”

She never thought she would live to see the day where marijuana could be purchased legally, and both locals and out-of-state visitors I spoke with said dispensaries are the safest route to light up.

A few out-of-state residents shared, “Definitely. Better than buying on the street. You don’t know what you’re getting. To be safe, if you’re legal and you smoke weed, go to a dispensary.”

Robert Davis, clinical director at Hi-Tide Dispensary, said the products they sell are tested for safety by state-certified labs.

“So all patients and customers can be assured that if it’s bought through a state-licensed dispensary, it will be safe and effective for the patient and customer,” he said.

Even with dispensaries open, many still buy marijuana from the black market. Davis said, “It makes it, you know, a risk. They’re not tested. You don’t know what you’re getting in the product.”

To make sure you’re buying from a dispensary following best practices, Davis recommended checking the Maryland Cannabis Administration website to see which ones are licensed by the state. His customers say they’re in safe hands.

“It’s safer, much, much safer like this. I highly recommend it. I highly recommend… thank you, Jesus!” Kathy said.

Maryland has 90 dispensaries licensed under strict testing protocols.