Worcester County receives $1 million from cannabis tax revenue

WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. – Worcester County has received extra money from state tax revenue on recreational cannabis sales. Officials plan to use the money to help those who need it most.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said it’ll help the areas that might go overlooked. “Really, it’s going to filter down to the municipalities. And it needs to be used for the community, it was designed to help out lower income communities.”

$1 million was given to Worcester County, and the county adopted laws outlining its use at a commissioner’s meeting in June. The vote was done unanimously, and according to Commissioner Mitrecic, officials already have ideas in mind.

“There is a project in Pocomoke to redo some sidewalks down there, and this would certainly fit into that.”

Non-profits, small businesses, and other means of community improvement can apply for funds. Ian Chenkin, the General Manager for Hi-Tide Dispensary in Ocean City, said this is a huge step forward.

“The fact the money will be going to new small businesses or community programs, we’re fully behind it, and we’ve always wanted to be a part of this community.”

However, funds can not be spent on law enforcement or other county programs. Commissioner Mitricic hope this piece of revenue will bring about balance.

“Folks that are incarcerated for possession of marijuana or distribution of marijuana tend to come from lower-income neighborhoods, so this is to help offset that.”

County officials will accept applications through the end of this summer, and the grants award will be announced in October.