La Plata, MD – The Charles County Commissioners voted Tuesday, Feb. 2 to hold a public hearing March 8 at 6 p.m. for the public to weigh in on the processing and distribution of medical marijuana in the county.
According to Charles County Planner Aimee Dailey, such facilities would be allowed in areas of the county designated as agriculture conservation, commercial business or heavy industrial, and said any such facilities must be 1,000 feet from any school, daycare or drug treatment facility.
“On Jan. 11, the Charles County Planning Commission approved the measure,” Dailey stated.
Charles County Commissioner Vice President Ken Robinson [D – District 1] made the motion for the proposal to go forward, and the measure was seconded by Commissioner Bobby Rucci [D – District 4].
Before the overall vote, however, Commissioner Amanda Stewart [D – District 3] said she had a comment about the resolution.
“Zoning regulations for establishments that sell alcohol must be at least 1,000 feet from schools and daycare,” Steward noted. “We need to be clear about the 1,000 feet. As it is written, it is kind of subjective. This should be 1,000 feet from any property line of a school or daycare. Any closer than that, and you will have people who will challenge you.”
Robinson said, “I will amend my motion that any such processing and distribution facility be 1,000 feet from the property line of any school, daycare or drug recovery facility.”
The vote for the measure to go forward was approved by a 4-1 vote, with District 2 Commissioner Debra Davis opposed.
The commissioners then voted to have the public hearing set for 6 p.m. March 8 in the commissioners meeting room.
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com