Neighbor fears, odor and small tax share cited as objections to proposed Hollywood cannabis grow

An unidentified St. Mary’s County official objected to a proposed cannabis cultivation operation in the Hollywood area, saying the applicant is not from St. Mary’s County and questioning why cultivators choose the county. The official said county tax receipts from cannabis sales are "one half of 1%," calling that share "a pittance."

The speaker warned of potential property‑value appeals if neighbors claim homes lose value because of the facility, and repeatedly highlighted odor as a major problem: "Because it stinks," the official said, adding that "smell does not know property lines" and can be detectable "up to several miles away." The remarks were delivered as part of local updates and in anticipation of public comment periods.

The official also noted that Hollywood will receive two public hearings on the proposal, contrasting that with a prior 7th District proposal that received no hearings. No formal county action or vote on the proposal was recorded in the transcript; the speaker said they would await public comments.