MD HB1235

Licensed cannabis dispensaries in Queen Anne's County must maintain 1,000 feet distance from pre-existing schools, licensed child care centers, registered family child care homes, playgrounds, recreation centers, libraries, public parks, and places of worship—double the 500-foot standard that applies elsewhere in Maryland

Licensed cannabis processors in Queen Anne's County are prohibited from locating within 1,000 feet of the same protected locations (schools, child care facilities, playgrounds, recreation centers, libraries, public parks, and places of worship)

Dispensaries that converted from medical cannabis licenses and were properly zoned and operating before July 1, 2023 are exempt from the new distance requirements

Political subdivisions may adopt ordinances to reduce (but generally not increase) these distance requirements, though they may increase the dispensary-to-dispensary distance up to one-half mile

Effective date: October 1, 2025