Anne Arundel County Executive Unveiling Bill To Prevent Medical Marijuana
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Now that the use of medical marijuana is legal in Maryland, counties get to have their say on how to implement the law.
Amy Yensi explains one Anne Arundel County official is saying no.
The county executive says he's not stopping anyone from getting medical marijuana for health reasons---but they won't get it in Anne Arundel County if he has his way.
The state of Maryland legalized medical marijuana in 2014, but they left vast discretion to each county to implement the law on a local basis.
The growing, processing and dispensing of medical marijuana throughout Maryland is legal. It's been that way since the General Assembly passed it in 2014.
But individual counties can decide how to implement the state law on a local level. County Executive Steve Schuh made his decision: a ban on growing and distributing medical marijuana in Anne Arundel County. Schuh says the law is a threat to public safety and an invitation for trouble.
"I believe it will open up the recreational use of marijuana legally on a vast scale in our state," he said. "I don't want Anne Arundel County to be a guinea pig on this issue."
Some residents say the ban is out of touch with the rest of the country.
"We've all gotten to the point where we realize that this is happening anyway. People are growing marijuana anyway. They're selling it anyway. They're using it anyway.,"
said Kristin Schallhorn.
Residents will still be able to use medical marijuana inside the county but just can't fill their prescriptions there.
"A relative of mine, if that's going to bring them some relief, I would say yes, let's do it," said Glenn Gibson.
Others worry that recently legalized drugs will have unwanted consequences.
"Having been a young adult during the 60s, I know what marijuana can do to you, if misused," said Barb McMullen.
Schuh will present his legislation to the county council next Monday night.