Commissioner urges close scrutiny of future cannabis grow proposals, warns odors could deter industry

A St. Mary's County commissioner said he met with the director of the Maryland Cannabis Administration and was surprised to hear some counties are actively seeking cannabis grow facilities.

"I was surprised to hear that according to the... cannabis administration, that there are counties in the state that are absolutely clamoring to have a marijuana growth facility in their counties," the commissioner said. He contrasted that with local resistance to a facility installed years earlier in the county's 7th District.

The commissioner said any future facility proposed in St. Mary's County "meets utmost scrutiny," and he pledged to fight proposals residents oppose. He raised an economic concern, asking whether odors from grow operations could dissuade large defense contractors from expanding here: "Would you wanna bring your multibillion dollar corporation down here... to expand jobs for people having knowing that that is all around? To me, that's a nonstarter."

Why it matters: The presence and location of cannabis grow facilities can affect land use, odor management, and local economic development. The commissioner framed the issue as balancing residents' concerns and the county's interest in attracting larger employers.

Details and limits: The commissioner described discussions with a state official but did not provide details about pending local applications, permit status, or specific siting proposals. He referred to one prior facility in the 7th District that prompted resident opposition; no enforcement actions or regulatory findings were mentioned.

Next steps: The commissioner said he will scrutinize future proposals and work with residents in areas where a facility might be proposed.