Ocean City cracks down on marijuana consumption, bucking Maryland trend

Olivia Minzola, Salisbury Daily Times
·1 min read
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The town of Ocean City is cracking down on on-site cannabis consumption before the recreational use of marijuana becomes legal across the state of Maryland this July.

Municipalities, including Ocean City, may enact laws to regulate use and consumption regardless of any statewide legalization. The resort town, which prides itself on being a family resort, is aiming to remain a smoke-free environment.

Maryland's relaxed marijuana laws are slated to take effect on July 1, 2023, allowing adults 21 and older to legally possess, use and grow cannabis recreationally. Possession and use of cannabis by individuals younger than 21 will remain illegal and subject to civil penalties.

This Jan. 26, 2013, photo taken at a grow house in Denver shows a marijuana plant ready to be harvested. The Maryland House has advanced legislation to legalize recreational marijuana in the state, if voters approve a constitutional amendment in November. The House gave preliminary approval on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022 to two separate bills.
This Jan. 26, 2013, photo taken at a grow house in Denver shows a marijuana plant ready to be harvested. The Maryland House has advanced legislation to legalize recreational marijuana in the state, if voters approve a constitutional amendment in November. The House gave preliminary approval on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022 to two separate bills.

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Together, Ocean City councilmembers unanimously voted to advance the ban of on-site cannabis consumption at a May 30 work session. The ban will ensure cannabis products are not sold or consumed in establishments or businesses across the resort town.

No comments were made or questions posed prior to the vote.

Councilmembers later unanimously voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance that will effectively ban on-premises cannabis consumption licenses at a June 5 meeting. A vote to establish fines of $25 up to $1,000 for violation of the future ordinance was also passed.

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Smoking continues to be prohibited in all public spaces, including the beach and Boardwalk, in the resort town.

Additional information regarding recreational cannabis use and possession in Maryland can be found here.

Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Ocean City bans marijuana consumption ahead of Maryland legalization