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2 News Homepage News News Portal Highlights

Easton’s Zoning Dilemma: Cannabis Legalization Spurs Decision-Making

July 6, 2023 by Dave Wheelan

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Easton, like many towns on the Mid-Shore, are now grappling with zoning decisions following the recent legalization of cannabis in the state. As of July 1st, recreational cannabis became legal, prompting discussions within the town’s planning commission. Their aim is to determine whether dispensaries, growers, and processors should be permitted in Easton. The commission commenced deliberations in June, which will continue in the coming months to form a recommendation for the town council.

While neighboring jurisdictions like Oxford and St. Michaels have imposed temporary moratoriums to study the issue, Easton faces a unique circumstance. New cannabis licenses will only be available from September, with issuance in January. This grants the town time to carefully consider zoning regulations. The planning commission intends to make progress throughout July and possibly August. However, if time becomes a constraint, implementing a moratorium is a possibility.

Other municipalities have enacted moratoriums lasting from nine months to a year. Easton has previously implemented moratoriums through ordinances on such things as “big box” stories,  a process that takes time. Balancing the workload of the planning commission and consistency with neighboring areas is crucial. The town aims to avoid legal challenges by closely observing outcomes in Oxford and other towns.

Seeking guidance from the state and challenged jurisdictions will provide valuable insights. Additionally, the Maryland Municipal League is hosting a workshop in August, offering further information. Easton intends to make informed decisions by considering timeframes, monitoring existing moratoriums, and seeking guidance. The town seeks to establish well-rounded zoning regulations that satisfy the community while complying with legal requirements.

Here is a sample of the Easton Town Attorney Sharon Van Emburgh’s presentation to to the Council and some of the discussion that followed.

This video is approximately seven minutes in length.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Filed Under: 2 News Homepage, News Portal Highlights

About Dave Wheelan

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Letters to Editor

  1. Al Sikes says

    July 6, 2023 at 4:29 PM

    Recreational Marijuana? Recreational definition: relating to or denoting activity done for enjoyment when one is not working. Given medical and psychological warnings I am reasonably sure that the use of “recreational” as the adjective defining marijuana is a marketing designation which various government entities now use. I would suggest a moratorium while the availability of the THC: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) the primary psychoactive cannabinoid extracted from the cannabis (marijuana) plant’s effects are fully considered.

    • Hal De Bona says

      July 6, 2023 at 10:20 PM

      Al
      I totally agree that the use of the term “recreational” associated with use of any drug does a great dishonor to those of us that had gym class In grammar school. It’s a scam and the media has condoned the term.

  2. Richard Firestone says

    July 10, 2023 at 2:54 PM

    So, to summarize, How does Easton, MD prevent a retail operation selling adult use cannabis products without being subject to a lawsuit? If council can not figure out how to do that, the next question on the agenda will be; Where in the municipality can we restrict the location so we don’t have to be visually reminded weed is sold in the county seat? Certainly not near the courthouse, restaurants, or Avalon Theater.

    These businesses are designated to give priority ownership to former criminals and minorities whose families have been adversely effected by prior drug enforcement. What’s council really trying to decide here?

    Multiple states in the US have legalized the sale of adult use marijuana. Most of these states located in the northeastern portion of the country had provisions in the law that allowed municipalities to “opt out” of allowing legal adult use sales. Where was Maryland’s foresight on this?

    • Jair Devereaux says

      July 12, 2023 at 11:02 PM

      I say we put the same restrictions on alcohol. just change cannabis to alcohol. Cannabis is no different than alcohol; it’s been around much longer.

      I am a little confused on your your assertion about “These businesses are designated to give priority ownership to former criminals and minorities whose families have been adversely effected by prior drug enforcement.” I do not know if that some of dog whistle.

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