The County Council approved the change on Tuesday.
Frederick, Md (KM) Some changes were approved on where cannabis dispensaries can be placed in Frederick County, In a 4-3 vote on Tuesday, the County Council agreed to reduce distance requirements for those shops from 1500 feet to 500 feet away from existing public and private schools, parks, libraries, playgrounds recreation centers, childcare centers and family child care homes. The bill also removes distance requirements from properties which are planned for such uses.
The legislation also updates distance requirements for cannabis dispensaries to 100 feet from residential zones and near Places of worship.
Thee changes follow actions by the General Assembly.
Councilman Steve McKay says he understands that these changes are needed so that the county is in compliance with state law. “However, personally, because I disagree with all of the changes made. I think we have reasonable language in our zoning ordinance. I cannot in good conscience approve this. So I won’t,” he said,
Councilman Mason Carter said he “echoed” Councilman McKay comments.
Also voting in opposition was Council President Brad Young. “When this originally came up, they gave some pretty strict numbers that they wanted to us to make sure that we weren’t being overly restrictive on where they could go. And I think we did a reasonable job of coming up with numbers that were well within those limits and practical. I just cannot support so I will be voting no,” he said.
Council members Jerry Donald, Kavonte Duckett, M.C. Keegan-Ayer and Renee Knapp voted in favor of the ordinance. Donald said the county needs to comply with the changes in state law regarding the location of cannabis dispensaries. “I understand the idea of this. I understand personally not liking this. I get that. But in the end, I think we have to comply with this as our responsibility to the taxpayers in Frederick County,” he said.
The 2025 Maryland General Assembly approved Senate Bill 213 that reduces the distance requirements a county may place on cannabis dispensaries. They can be 500 feet or less from existing public and private schools, parks, libraries, playgrounds, recreation centers, childcare centers, and Places of Worship It also removes the County’s authority to place distance requirements on properties planned for these uses. .
By Kevin McManus