Maryland legislators in stand-off over medical marijuana expansion
Advocates who want to diversify and expand Maryland’s medical marijuana industry are calling on the General Assembly to hold a one-day special session to get the job done.But the top politicians in Annapolis are again at odds on the issue, imperiling the chances for a deal.
Democratic lawmakers agree that the state should approve five new minority growers to join the 15 mostly white-owned companies already pre-approved to open cultivation sites.
But House Speaker Michael E. Busch, D-Anne Arundel, and Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, D-Calvert, are again in a stand-off over whether legislation considered in a special session should also steer licenses to two applicants, who are suing the state after they were denied licenses in the name of geographic diversity.
