New Law Expands Use Beyond Medical Prescriptions
In the wake of a voter referendum in November 2022, calling for the state of Maryland to legalize the sale and production of cannabis for adult use, Governor Wes Moore signed a bill in May, 2023, establishing rules and procedures for the recreational use of marijuana. The new law requires that cannabis be sold through licensed retailers and imposes a 9% sales tax on all sales. Under the bill, up to 300 retail licenses will be issued across the state. Dispensaries may not be operated within 500 feet of schools, daycare facilities, playgrounds, libraries, recreational centers or public parks. Companies already licensed to dispense medical marijuana under existing state laws may apply for “dual licensure.”
Citing statistics that showed that the criminalization of marijuana disproportionately affected low income communities and communities of color, Governor Moore said that the new law should help lift those communities.
Proven Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney
Attorney Jonathan Scott Smith has protected the rights of criminal defendants in Maryland for more than 40 years, including people charged under Maryland law with child abuse. SuperLawyers has named him one of the top 100 lawyers in Maryland and The American Lawyer Magazine has also cited him as a Top-Rated Lawyer.
Attorney Smith has been AV-rated (the highest possible) by his colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating System for more than three decades. He has also received Martindale-Hubbell’s prized Client Distinction Award, an accolade earned by less than 4% of all attorneys nationwide. He carries a 10.0 (Superb rating) as a trial lawyer from AVVO and has also earned AVVO’s Client’s Choice Award, with an average client review of 5 stars.
A well-known and respected trial attorney, Jonathan has a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Maryland criminal law and procedure. He knows how to effectively gather and preserve evidence and will take all necessary measures to ensure that law enforcement officers did not violate your constitutional rights.
Contact a Proven Baltimore Criminal Defense Lawyer
At the law offices of Jonathan Scott Smith, we aggressively advocate for criminal defendants throughout the greater Baltimore area and across the state of Maryland, including people charged with any type of child abuse. Contact us online or call 410-740-0101 to arrange a meeting. We handle cases throughout Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Frederick County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County in Maryland.
