SALISBURY – An effort to prohibit the consumption of marijuana in public areas will move forward in Wicomico County.
In a work session Tuesday, Wicomico County State’s Attorney Jamie Dykes, Deputy State’s Attorney Bill McDermott and Sheriff Mike Lewis presented the Wicomico County Council with proposed legislation that would prohibit the consumption of marijuana in public areas and vehicles.
“Just because marijuana now has an exception and you can possess marijuana legally by way of a medical marijuana card, it doesn’t mean you should be allowed to consume marijuana in public, as the statute says, on public street fares, sidewalks, in a shopping center or, more importantly, in your vehicle,” McDermott said.
The proposed legislation mirrors a recently adopted ordinance in Fruitland. Not only does the legislation prohibit marijuana consumption in vehicles and public areas but makes it a misdemeanor charge punishable by a fine of up to $500 and/or imprisonment not to exceed 90 days.
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18 comments:
Good Job, I hope it passes. I saw that Fruitloop Michele Gregory speak out against it on PAC 14 at the County Council meeting. If she is against this legislation then it needs to be passed.
Anything this "social justice warrior" is for or against they need to do just the opposite. That woman is part of the Lower Shore Progressive Caucus and flies her silly Black Lives Matter flag. She goes to events to protest anything involving ICE and police officers. She adamantly hates President Trump and Republicans and supports AOC, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. She supported Ben Jealous and proudly posts pictures of Ben Jealous with her and her stepson who supposedly needs the marijuana.
I think she wants the county to oppose this legislation because she smokes her stepson's medical marijuana and eats his brownies. Don't be stupid, Wicomico County and stoop to her level.
It only takes a quick look at the Walmart parking lot to see how easy it is to obtain a "medical" permit for handicapped parking.
I have a problem with a lot of the proposal. First, it is already illegal to use in public and drive while under the influence. But if a vehicle is stopped for a traffic violation and the officer smells the odor, I think Sheriff Lewis wants permission to go completely through the car. If the passenger has it in their possession and presents a valid RX, and the driver shows no signs of impairment, the search should stop there. Just because someone has a legal drug, does not mean they have an illegal one. Obviously, I am not talking about a car with smoke rolling out of the windows where everyone could be high from secondhand smoke. I don't like the smell of it either, but if someone has back trouble and has the RX for it in the form of a gummy or edible, and needs to take it on the way in to see a movie where they have to sit for two plus hours, I don't see the harm.
9:33--
What conversation are you in? There are certain medical conditions that must be met to get a medical cannabis card, through a small list of vetted doctors. I have no idea what the prerequisites for a parking placard are, but that's not the subject at hand.
It should have the same laws as alcohol. Can’t drive after using. Can’t use in public. Maybe they can open up some smoke lounges
Dykes, McDermott, and Lewis all want to keep job security at the expense of your Constitutionally protected 4th Amendment rights. The Court of Special Appeals ruled the smell of Marijuana does not constitute probable cause.
1. Do local laws and ordinances trump state law? Medical Marijuana is legal in Maryland. Don't like it, change the law back.
2. Should the state be regulating and taxing the Medical Marijuana industry and then arresting and prosecuting those who have these cards and use it?
3. Shouldn't HIPAA laws protect your medical information and keep that information out of state or law enforcement hands?
4. Is it the job of the state's attorney's office or the sheriff's office to make laws? Shouldn't they recuse themselves or risk conflict of interest?
Disclaimer: I do not have a Medical Marijuana card, nor do I use any form of the substance i.e. THC/CBD. I do not want stoned individuals running into my car or hurting people. I also do not want lawr enforcement magically "smelling the odor of marijuana" as an excuse to effect searches anytime they want. They know there is no way to disprove that the odor wasn't smelled and the judges always side with them.
Keep letting those seemingly in charge systematically deprive you of your rights. History repeats itself.
"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." ~Benjamin Franklin
Hello - this is already illegal. Ridiculous to enact unnecessary regulation just for headlines. PS the Maryland Medical Program does not permit consumption of any form of cannabis in public today.
You don't need a new law to protect the public. It is already on the books. You are not allowed to drive impaired or under the influence. It is called a DUI. Under the influence means not just alcohol but anything that could effect your reactions or judgement. Cough syrup could fall under this.
The people who are using medical marijuana in public are not really using it for medical reasons but for recreational. It is the few that ruin it for everyone.
1148
Thank you!
Agree 100%
That's fine but I feel the fine and jail time are excessive. Secondly if you lock them up is the jail going to deny them legal medication and refuse to let them consume marijuana? It is a legal medication now just like insulin, valium etc. So is it to be denied because some still don't like people to have it?
Of course > it's the New Snake Oil that cures ALL as long as
Govt makes $$$$ on it , just like on booze / cigarettes / casinos
Anonymous Anonymous said...
It only takes a quick look at the Walmart parking lot to see how easy it is to obtain a "medical" permit for handicapped parking.
January 10, 2020 at 9:33 AM
Anonymous Anonymous said...
9:33--
What conversation are you in? There are certain medical conditions that must be met to get a medical cannabis card, through a small list of vetted doctors. I have no idea what the prerequisites for a parking placard are, but that's not the subject at hand.
January 10, 2020 at 11:02 AM
1102 is correct and on top of that, what do you know about the process for getting a permit for handicapped parking? So it seems you have a problem with handicapped parking. A medical doctor has to sign off on documents certifying you have a qualifying condition that warrants not only getting a 'tag' but also one is handicapped.
There is nothing 'easy' about being handicapped, even if people like you cannot 'see' the handicap. You think people just want to park close to the entrance? I would rather have to walk a from a block away than be handicapped.
Your type always comes across as being jealous YOU can't park close to an entrance, even while you are not handicapped. I'm sure there are some who may game the system to get a tag/permit but even still, what does that have to do with you, or anyone else?
Plenty of people pretend they know how to drive and still get a license and I think that is a bigger concern than who parks where. Regardless, if you guys want to be parking police just call the real cops when you think someone is not qualified to park in designated spots. I would love to see the cop's expression and his conversation with people like you.
This is total Bull $hit. I know 3 individuals who work in the County Finance and Human Resources departments that have prescriptions for the use of medical marijuana. Their prescription requires them to take 4 deep breaths from a lighted marijuana stick ever 2 hours. Isn’t the County required to provide these individuals with a safe place to comply with their prescription requirements?
Hell it is going to be completely Frigg'in LEGAL all 50 states
very soon !!!
Then Cocaine will be next !!!! Just think, all that TAX $$$$
Or you could just mind your own damn business and leave people alone.
Taxing you on how much AIR you breath is next !!! Just wait
Town Council get first dibbs on the pot !!! New Law !!!
Mayor's wife gets a Prescription for that !!! LOL
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