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Council adopts amendment to clarify setbacks for cannabis dispensaries after forceful neighborhood testimony
Summary
After extensive public testimony from churches, daycare operators and neighbors about a proposed Pasadena dispensary, the council approved an amendment to Bill 29‑26 clarifying measurement and extending the inter‑dispensary distance to 1,000 feet; the ordinance was continued to May 18 for further consideration.
The Anne Arundel County Council on May 4 debated legislation (Bill 29‑26) that would codify setback and distance requirements for licensed cannabis dispensaries and specify how distances are measured.
Councilmember Volke framed the bill as a community‑driven effort to clarify where licensed dispensaries may locate, proposing lot‑line setbacks from schools, playgrounds, churches, licensed childcare centers, libraries, public parks and residential properties. The administration raised legal and policy concerns about both the distance measure and countywide impacts. After public comment, the council adopted Amendment 1, changing the separation between dispensaries to 1,000 feet to align with state guidance and clarifying measurement methodology.
The public hearing drew substantial neighborhood testimony centered on a proposed dispensary at 91 Richey Highway in Pasadena. Reverend John Knupp of Pasadena United Methodist Church described long‑running childcare and playground activity at the church and asked the council to affirm clear protections for sensitive sites. "Our neighborhood needs businesses and organizations that contribute to the greater safety and well‑being," Knupp said, urging alignment with state distance requirements.
Neighbors, faith leaders and childcare staff described traffic, potential loitering, odor and proximity concerns; several urged a lot‑line standard for measurement rather than a structure‑to‑structure rule. Eddie Pounds, a registered lobbyist speaking for the Vital Dispensary applicant, said the applicant had engaged with local stakeholders and described the dispensary as a social‑equity licensee.
Administration staff outlined three concerns raised in a work session — legal preemption questions, measurement methodology, and policy consequences for mixed‑use commercial corridors — and said they were willing to continue discussions. After the amendment vote, the council adopted Amendment 1 (1,000‑foot inter‑dispensary separation measured lot line to lot line) and scheduled the amended bill for further consideration on May 18, 2026.
The amendment resolves a legal concern raised by counsel and narrows the policy debate to whether the county should apply the lot‑line measurement and the 100‑foot buffer from residential properties proposed in the original draft. Administration officials signaled continued engagement with the sponsor to refine the approach before final adoption.
The council’s next action on the bill is scheduled for May 18, 2026.
