Committee supports limited local control, fees for cannabis on‑site consumption and events
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Summary
The committee voted to move Senate Bill 215 / House Bill 132 favorably after a briefing describing new on‑site consumption, cannabinoid‑beverage provisions, event registration rules and local fee authority; the county will prepare testimony for an upcoming hearing.
The General Assembly Committee on Jan. 28 voted to move SB 215 and HB 132 favorably. The bills would authorize licensed on‑site cannabis consumption establishments and cannabis events, expand consumption definitions to include cannabinoid beverages, permit political subdivisions to set hours of operation for on‑site consumption, and allow local authorities to assess additional fees on event registrations.
Lorenzo Bellamy, presenting on behalf of the sponsor, said the Maryland Cannabis Administration requested the bill and that it expands registrations to include additional product forms and permits local fee collection with no state cap on additional local fees. The bill allows holders of on‑site consumption licenses to repackage and process cannabis products and authorizes local enforcement by the Maryland Cannabis Administration, political subdivisions or law enforcement with penalties up to a misdemeanor civil fine not exceeding $5,000.
Local control and public‑safety limits: presenters noted political subdivisions already have many controls; the bill would explicitly allow counties to establish hours of operation and charge registration fees for cannabis events. Committee members asked whether indoor smoking or vaping would be allowed; presenters said indoor smoking is not allowed under the draft but edibles and beverages would be permitted. Committee members also discussed vendor fees, event registration structures, and the timeline for hearings.
Action and next steps: Vice Chair Fisher moved favorable; Council Member Arrieta seconded. The clerk recorded “aye” votes and the motion to support carried. Committee staff said because the senate hearing is scheduled Jan. 30, the committee would prepare and transmit a letter of support and sign up to testify favorably, subject to full‑council procedures for transmitting time‑sensitive positions.
Discussion vs. decision: the committee’s favorable report reflects support for the draft with local fee authority and operational restrictions; the county’s final position will be transmitted via the full council if the full council votes to submit testimony.
Evidence: presenter briefing, Q&A and the clerk’s roll call are recorded on the Jan. 28 transcript.