A new bill before the Frederick County Council could dramatically alter how Frederick County zoning rules apply to cannabis dispensaries. The proposal aligns with legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly in 2024 and 2025 and reflects the state’s ongoing effort to balance public safety with fair access to licensed cannabis businesses.
According to Sarah Price, State Government Relations Associate in the County Executive’s Office, the proposed changes would update distance requirements for cannabis dispensaries. Under the new rules, setbacks from schools, parks, libraries, playgrounds, recreation and children’s centers, places of worship, and family childcare homes would be reduced from 1,500 feet to 500 feet. This marks a significant shift in Frederick County zoning, which historically placed strict limits on where cannabis dispensaries could operate.
The bill also removes distance requirements for areas merely planned for these uses, as current state law no longer allows counties to impose such restrictions. Additionally, it would introduce a new 100-foot setback from areas zoned for residential use another notable change in Frederick County zoning policy toward cannabis dispensaries.
During the council’s discussion, Councilman Steve McKay asked about situations where a school is constructed near an existing cannabis business. Mike Wilkins, Director of Development Review and Planning, explained that the dispensary would become “non-conforming” because the law restricts where cannabis dispensaries may locate, not where schools may be built. This is one of many zoning scenarios the council will need to clarify as it revises Frederick County zoning ordinances for cannabis dispensaries.
Councilwoman M.C. Keegan-Ayer countered that these changes originated at the state level. She noted that some jurisdictions had effectively blocked cannabis dispensaries by creating overly restrictive setbacks. The Maryland General Assembly responded by passing laws to ensure counties, including Frederick, could not prohibit cannabis dispensaries outright. The new bill is the county’s effort to comply with those laws while still maintaining local oversight through Frederick County zoning.
The Council is expected to revisit the bill at a future meeting. Members also requested further research on how to define places of worship and whether colleges fall under the setback rules for cannabis dispensaries. Whatever the outcome, this debate highlights how Frederick County zoning continues to shape the growth and accessibility of cannabis dispensaries in the region.
