Local management board outlines plan for cannabis Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund; public hearing held

At a public hearing on Jan. 6, the Worcester County Local Management Board outlined plans to distribute Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund dollars created by the Maryland Cannabis Reform Act of 2023.

Shailia Tangle, director of the local behavioral health authority and the local management board, explained that the funds, drawn from adult-use cannabis tax revenue and conversion fees, are designated to support community-based initiatives that benefit low-income communities and those disproportionately impacted by cannabis enforcement. Eligible activities highlighted included behavioral health crisis services, education and after-school programs, truancy intervention, housing and homelessness prevention, transportation improvements in dense transit areas, workforce development, childcare, and services for those impacted by incarceration.

Tangle said the county’s previous request for applications (issued in 2025 with an Aug. 31, 2025 deadline) must be updated because state regulations were expanded; the Local Management Board will post an addendum to the county’s grant materials, host a pre-proposal meeting, allow existing applicants to update applications, and re-open the application period. Awards are expected to be announced on or before April 2026. Board members and members of the public asked clarifying questions about geographic limits (e.g., services tied to ZIP code 21811) and whether faith-based organizations may apply (the board confirmed churches can apply if their project serves eligible populations and ties to the regulations).

Following the public comment period and Q&A, the public hearing was closed; no immediate board action was required, and the local management board will finalize the plan and publish the addendum on the county bid board and website.