University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law joined forces with Maryland Department of Health to create the Cannabis Legal Resource Center.
The partnership will navigate the complex public health issues surrounding the state’s legalization of adult-use cannabis.
Housed at Maryland Carey Law and led by cannabis law and policy expert Mathew Swinburne, the resource center will provide legal technical assistance to the Maryland state government as well as local governments, health departments and community organizations.
In addition to providing legal technical assistance in areas such as health disparities, smoke-free environments and federal and state regulations, the resource center will host webinars and a statewide cannabis law and policy conference, develop a resource toolkit and website, and track cannabis- and hemp-related legislation in Maryland.
The resource center expands the work of Maryland Carey Law’s Legal Resource Center for Public Health Policy, which has been providing technical assistance to Maryland government agencies on tobacco control policies and laws since 2001.
Funded by Maryland Department of Health, the resource center will assist state and local health departments in developing effective public health policies around cannabis as well as educate Maryland policymakers on federal, state and local laws and effective, science-based policies to address a wide range of public health issues.
The resource center’s work began in early spring when a needs assessment survey was distributed to all 24 Maryland health departments to determine how cannabis is impacting their communities.
Swinburne said communities will likely face new public health challenges with cannabis legalization.
“We’re here to help navigate the complex legal landscape, partner on solutions, and advocate for evidence-based policies that protect Marylanders’ health,” Swinburne said.
July 1 marks one year since Maryland became one of two dozen states to legalize recreational marijuana for adults over 21.
The law change has highlighted a growing need for legal guidance to develop effective and equitable cannabis policies that will ensure product safety, educate users and mitigate negative health impacts.
