PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Two bills moving through the Maryland General Assembly would allow cannabis dispensaries to open up next to liquor stores. Some in Prince George’s County say it’s a slippery slope and could have negative impacts on the community.
House Bill 805 and Senate Bill 537 would change current distance restrictions for marijuana dispensaries, and stop county councils from establishing zoning requirements.
Prince George’s County Councilmember Wala Blegay says its an overstep.
"It removes the local control. What it does is it allows that everywhere that you have a liquor store, it allows you to have a marijuana store. What we're saying is that we should be able to determine where they go," Blegay said.
She also voiced concerns over impacts to crime and home value.
"We already have an increase in crime...and we don't want this to assist in increasing crime. Also think about the value of the homes. It impacts the value of those homes and a marijuana shop adding it to that would make it worse," Blegay said.
Other community leaders share those concerns.
"Dispensaries next to liquor stores present a major problem for our community," said Largo resident Rande Atcherson.
We spoke to a lawyer who is familiar with zoning requirements, and the proposed legislations impacts.
"If that zoning power is stripped away from the zoning authorities on the local level then we’re taking away the power of our local zoning authorities to protect the public," Abdullah Hijazi said.
Hijazi started an online petition that has gotten over 600 signatures so far. He says these state bills will have far-reaching consequences if passed.
"This is no longer an issue that is solely affecting Prince George’s county, but it’s a statewide issue where county officials will be stripped of zoning authority to decide where marijuana dispensaries can go," Hijazi said.
WUSA9 reached out to both bills' sponsors, Senator Brian Feldman and Delegate C.T. Wilson for comment but didn’t hear back. Both bills go up for committee hearings next week.
Hijazi says they’re waiting to see what happens on the state level before deciding next steps.