Leonardtown, Md. — On July 10 the Saint Mary's County Board of Appeals approved a conditional‑use application to allow a cannabis dispensary at 22805 Notch Road in California, Md., within the Lexington Park Development District. The board voted 5‑0 to permit the proposed Southern Waves dispensary after hearing staff reports, applicant testimony and public comment.

Why it matters: The proposal is for a 3,000‑square‑foot dispensary in an existing commercial building (formerly a bank) in the county’s mixed‑use medium‑intensity (MXM) zone. County staff reported that the Health Department, Metropolitan Commission, Soil Conservation District, State Highway Administration and the local fire board raised no objections; Land Use and Growth Management indicated final approval is pending this board’s decision.

Applicant case and regulatory context: Attorney Chris Longmore presented on behalf of the applicant and noted a recent Maryland state law limiting counties from imposing more restrictive zoning on cannabis dispensaries than on alcohol retailers. Longmore said the applicant elected to proceed through the county’s conditional‑use process for public transparency despite legal questions about whether a conditional use is required. He also highlighted that the relevant Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) impose detailed operational, security and product controls on dispensaries.

Operations, traffic and site design: The applicant plans to use the existing single‑story sales area (roughly 2,000 square feet on the lower floor) and keep the upper floor unused for sales. Michael Lenhart, the traffic consultant, explained that the property has 16 parking spaces and that the parking analysis shows a projected peak demand of 13 spaces, concluding existing parking is adequate. Lenhart’s analysis and coordination with State Highway Administration were provided in the record.

Public comment and concerns: More than a half dozen residents and nearby business owners spoke at the hearing. Concerns focused on proximity to a nearby childcare/school stop (staff recorded the closest protected facility at about 528 feet away), possible impacts to pedestrian safety and loitering, the presence of nearby motels and vape/smoke shops, and broader community concerns about access to high‑potency products. Several speakers urged the board to deny the conditional use on community‑safety grounds; others said they supported reusing an existing vacant building.

Applicant commitments and controls: Applicant representatives described compliance with COMAR requirements for security, video surveillance and product storage, and the state licensing process. The applicant said the facility will offer multiple service channels — walk‑in retail, a walk‑up pickup window and a two‑lane drive‑through — and that all transactions must be verified on state systems and checked by staff identification. "The maximum number of vehicles parked would be 13," traffic consultant Michael Lenhart said during questioning; the applicant also said the planned hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and that staff will coordinate with local agencies and neighbors.

Board action and next steps: After public testimony and questioning, the board found the conditional‑use standards in Chapter 25 and Chapter 51 of the zoning code were met and approved the request. Staff will prepare a written order signed by the board within 60 days; the order will carry a 30‑day appeal period following signature.

Evidentiary notes: The application packet in the record includes agency comment letters, a traffic study, elevations and the applicant’s COMAR compliance materials. The record shows the applicant has preliminary state licensing approval but must complete final state licensing and county permitting steps before opening.

Community note: Several residents urged the applicant to maintain open communications with neighbors and the local schools; applicant representatives said they would provide contact information and work with the community to address concerns.