Left to right, former Calvert County commissioners Jerry Clark and Bobby Swann

Prince Frederick, MD – While the intense discussion on the pros and cons of medicinal marijuana in Calvert County appears to have quieted down, a local businessman seeking a state license for cultivation and distribution of the substance has made an interesting revelation. During the public comment segment of the Calvert County Commissioners’ Tuesday, Jan. 26 meeting John Simpson of Solomons told the board he has applied for a license. He announced his effort to start a medicinal marijuana venture in Southern Calvert County has the backing of two former county commissioners—Jerry Clark and Bobby Swann.

The majority of the current board of commissioners has indicated opposition to plans to operate a medicinal marijuana business in the county and have requested state legislation allowing them to block it. The state legislature made medicinal marijuana legal and a panel—the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC)—is currently reviewing nearly 900 applications.

Simpson told the commissioners about his initial opposition to marketing a substance long considered a gateway to use of such potent, deadly drugs as cocaine and heroin. However, after seeing how his stepson’s involvement in the distribution of marijuana in medical form to ailing individuals in California is helping clients cope with physical pain “I’ve become a believer.”

Simpson, a longtime businessman in Solomons, told the commissioners he has identified a tract of land where a “state-of-the-art 38,000 square foot greenhouse” will be built for the cultivation phase. “We will create medicine for people who need it,” he said.

A vacant bank building in Solomons is envisioned to be a dispensary, Simpson stated.

“I think medical marijuana is going to move forward,” Clark told The BayNet. The Republican, who served three four-year terms as county commissioner, explained that Simpson approached him about the venture and “laid out his plan and wanted to know if I’d consider serving on his board.” Clark said he saw it as an opportunity to help establish a small business in the county.

Clark also conceded that after seeing individuals suffering with cancer and dealing with the aftereffects of chemotherapy, “I’m on board with the medical part” of legalized marijuana. If the medical cannabis were to somehow lead to legalizing marijuana for recreational use, Clark declared “I’d have to rethink my position.”

As to the reluctance by the current board of commissioners to support medical marijuana, Clark indicated he understood the opposition voiced by commissioners Pat Nutter and Tom Hejl, since both had long careers in law enforcement.

Simpson’s business savvy is apparently what sold Clark. “John’s plan is top-notch,” he said. “He’s always done everything first-class.” Clark indicated Simpson has consulted with several experts in formulating his plan and has done extensive research.

Swann, a Democrat who served out an unexpired commissioner term from 2000 to 2002 and had served briefly as state comptroller in 1998, told The BayNet he first spoke with Simpson about the venture last summer. “I’ve always been interested in medical marijuana,” Swann said. “I support anything that can help relieve pain and doesn’t have the effect opiates do. Medical marijuana is being produced and sold in controlled circumstances. John has a very ambitious plan. If he’s allowed to go forward, I believe it will be worth it. He’s done a thorough job of thinking this through.”

Swann noted that some of the nation’s western states have already served as successful test markets for the cultivation and distribution of medical marijuana.

For more information on the MMCC, visit http://mmcc.maryland.gov/

Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com