Maryland has long been a leader in the cannabis industry in the United States, and now that the state has legalized recreational marijuana use, one town’s mayor is being forced out of the hemp business. In his hometown of Bladensburg, Mayor Chris Jones has seen firsthand the changes that have occurred as a result of the marijuana laws and how they have impacted the civic engagement and the town’s economy. Despite being an avid advocate of marijuana legalization, Mayor Jones is being forced to make a difficult decision, shuttering his hemp business once and for all. Through this article, we will explore the implications of the Mayor’s decision and what it means for his legacy in Bladensburg.
1. Maryland Marches Towards Cannabis Legalization
Legal Gatherings & Change
The state of Maryland is gaining traction in its mission to fully legalize cannabis. In recent events, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation in early April that would legalize the possession and cultivation of marijuana in the state. This pushes Maryland into becoming the 18th state to legalize the medicinal qualities of cannabis, and the momentum is on.
What does this mean for the citizens of Maryland? With the passing of these laws, adults over 21 years of age will now legally be able to possess up to 1oz of marijuana or 16g of concentrates at a time, as well as cultivate up to six cannabis plants in their own home. The progressive laws also remove the need for certification renewals and lifetime limits on purchases, making it easier for marijuana users in the state to acquire product. Finally, the laws impose strict regulations for operations, labeling and product testing in preparation for an industry that values safety and quality.
Next Steps
In order for Maryland to achieve full marijuana legalization, the bills must pass in senate and receive approval from the Governor. If this occurs, Maryland will join the ranks of several other progressive states and stand firm in its support of cannabis use. This will make way for new opportunities in public safety, medicine, business and tax benefits, as well as the chance to open the doors for people to participate publicly in the industry.
Some potential implications of the passing of this bill includes:
- The creation of safe access points for users to purchase cannabis products
- The potential with budding business for entrepreneurship
- A rise in potential medical uses
- The continued demise of criminalization related to marijuana possession
t’s looking likely that Maryland will soon be the 18th state to legalize marijuana, making the dream of full marijuana legalization a much more achievable reality.
2. The Mayor of Aberdeen: Leaving the Hemp Business
The Mayor of Aberdeen has taken a surprising turn: after establishing a thriving hemp business, he is now planning to leave it behind. This departure is shattering to the employees that worked faithfully for his success, but is necessary for progress. When Mayor William of Aberdeen came into office, he saw hemp as an economic opportunity—but now, he recognizes it has to end in order for his city to move forward.
Mayor William’s decision comes after months of thought and comes with both sorrow and a new resolve. He notes, “It was a tough choice, as hemp has done a great deal for us, but the future is even brighter. It’s time to set new goals and work to improve other sectors of our economy.” The transition is set to begin at the end of the month, as the mayor looks forward to the possibilities ahead.
- Mayor William is leaving the hemp business
- The decision was made after months of thought
- The transition is set to begin at the end of the month
3. Exploring the Unforeseen Implications of Cannabis Legalization
In the wake of marijuana legalization in several states, the newfound legality of flower, concentrate, edible, and topical forms of cannabis has opened up a world of potential applications for entrepreneurs, researchers, and lawmakers alike. With legal cannabis’s new, commercializable form, each day we become aware of additional implications that may have been unforeseen.
- Medical applications — As potential medical applications continue to be studied, the use of cannabis as an alternative to opioids has already been explored. Cannabis has proven to be an effective solution for the treatment of chronic pain, and can perhaps be used to replace powerful and addictive prescription drugs.
- Research opportunities — Researchers, both public and private, are now given the chance to resume the investigation of cannabinoids and their effects on the human body, without facing legal obstacles. These studies can reveal further proof of cannabis’s medical capabilities.
- Cultural change — The legalization of marijuana has led to a cultural shift in the way people view cannabis, and its use in day-to-day life. As it has been normalized in a commercial setting, the stigma surrounding cannabis use has lessened.
While many implications of legalization have already been realized, an even greater number of possibilities exist that are still waiting to be explored. Every day, the world is learning more about the potential of cannabis, and discovering the far-reaching effects that come with marijuana’s newfound legality.
4. Local Businesses Bracing For The Changes Ahead
Surviving the New Business Landscape
With the pandemic’s abrupt and profound impact on the business landscape, local businesses are bracing for the upcoming changes amid turbulence and uncertainty. From the closure of retail outlets to the shift to online shopping, adaptation is the only response.
Despite the challenge, many businesses are redoubling their efforts to make the switch. Creating a secure website for online transactions and harnessing social media for new customer outreach are some of the strategies they’ve had to quickly learn in the process. Alternative payment options, such as contactless, have been enabled to account for heightened safety requirements.
Others are putting their resources into offering delivery services as a way to meet customer needs. Despite all the labor required to get there, business owners appear committed to surviving the pandemic and adapting to the next normal.
The legalization of marijuana in Maryland has effectively put an end to the hemp business for the small city’s mayor. Although the decision was ultimately a difficult one, it marks a major milestone in the state’s history with marijuana legalization. Perhaps in the future, this same mayor’s business will have the opportunity to take part in the promisingly abundant marijuana and hemp industry.
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