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Formation Tips for Your New Cannabis Business
As with any new business, it is important to lay the right foundation for your marijuana business in Maryland . Because there are additional legal complexities involved in setting up a cannabis business, working with a lawyer with experience in marijuana laws can help you avoid future complications. These tips will help you establish your cannabis business, from cultivating cannabis to setting up medical marijuana dispensaries.
Start by focusing on creating your business structure and completing any partnership agreements, with the help of your lawyer. Next, turn your attention to applying for the proper business licenses. Cannabis businesses are subject to their own set of approval and zoning requirements, which your lawyer can assist you in meeting. With the proper approvals in place, you can turn your attention to traditional start-up activities, including hiring employees, establishing business relationships, and marketing your services. Maintaining a close relationship with your lawyer will help you stay on top of any changing legal requirements that impact your business so you maintain compliance with state and federal medical marijuana laws.
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Advice for Aspiring Medical Marijuana Cultivators in Maryland
The legalization of medical marijuana in Maryland has led to several new avenues of business opportunities for both dispensaries and growers. People who cultivate marijuana in Maryland for use in medical cannabis businesses must adhere to specific guidelines to remain in compliance with the state’s cannabis laws. Because some of these laws are still in flux and remain under consideration, it is important to work with an attorney with experience in medicinal marijuana law to ensure you stay compliant with all requirements. This advice will help new cultivators entering the field.
Prepare Your Application
All potential growers must submit an application and appropriate fees to the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission . This application is the first step in being approved as a grower in Maryland, so it is essential that the information provided is thorough and complete. All submitted applications go through a multi-step review process. First, an independent committee reviews all applications and rates them based on how closely they adhere to the guidelines. Next, the Commission votes on pre-approvals to allow growers to progress to the next step, which is setting up a facility. You cannot change your application information once it is submitted, so work with an experienced attorney to ensure you are providing all of the relevant details.Be Aware of Local Jurisdictions
The zoning for growing locations can differ from place to place. The Commission defers to local regulations when approving applications. Not all local zoning codes allow marijuana cultivation in all areas of agricultural production zones. Have a lawyer help you determine if your proposed growing location adheres to local regulations.Create Your Facility in Accordance with Your Application
Before receiving final approval, the Commission will ensure that your cultivating facility is as described in your application. Any differences could delay your final approval. A lawyer can be extremely helpful in ensuring you meet these guidelines and avoid delays. -
A Look at the Fight Against Medical Marijuana in Anne Arundel County
Not everyone supports marijuana legalization in Maryland. In Anne Arundel County, one of the controversies regarding medical cannabis is whether the county can ban legal marijuana in its jurisdiction, despite state-wide legalization. When you watch this video, you’ll hear about County Executive Steve Schuh, who proposed an outright ban on medical cannabis .
Since this news clip aired, however, the County Council and Mr. Schuh have reached a compromise. The bipartisan solution was to enact strict zoning rules that dictate where businesses can legally engage in growing cannabis, processing it, and selling it. The revised bill now includes prohibitions on window displays of cannabis and it restricts cannabis-related businesses from operating within 1,000 feet of schools and homes.