The Talbot County Council has taken a major step toward supporting local communities by introducing a bill to allow the county to receive money from Maryland’s statewide cannabis reinvestment funds. This new initiative, announced during Tuesday’s council meeting in Easton, could bring substantial resources to local programs and services.
Maryland’s Cannabis Reform Act of 2023 created a Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund to direct 35% of taxes collected from cannabis sales back into communities disproportionately affected by past cannabis laws. These state-level cannabis reinvestment funds are designed to repair decades of harm caused by unequal enforcement and give local jurisdictions the ability to reinvest in their residents.
Talbot County’s new bill provides the mechanism needed to establish its own local cannabis reinvestment fund. Without this structure in place, the county cannot access the state dollars already set aside for its community. County Attorney Patrick Thomas shared that approximately $731,000 is currently available for Talbot County to claim once the fund is created. This money would come directly from the state’s cannabis reinvestment funds, which are earmarked for projects such as after-school programs, housing support, and homelessness prevention.
Importantly, state law restricts the use of these dollars. According to Thomas, the funds cannot be directed to law enforcement. Instead, the goal of cannabis reinvestment funds is to benefit community-based initiatives and services that improve quality of life for residents. These guidelines ensure that the funding remains focused on positive, restorative outcomes rather than punitive measures.
If the bill passes, a local commission will be created to administer Talbot County’s cannabis reinvestment fund. This commission would review proposals, allocate resources, and oversee how the money is spent to ensure compliance with state rules. By establishing this process, the county is signaling its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing the cannabis reinvestment funds it receives.
The public will also have an opportunity to weigh in. A hearing on the bill is scheduled for the Talbot County Council meeting on Oct. 14 at 5:30 p.m. Residents interested in how the county plans to use its share of the state’s cannabis reinvestment funds are encouraged to attend and provide feedback.
Talbot County’s move is a significant milestone in bringing Maryland’s cannabis reinvestment funds to local communities. By creating its own fund and commission, the county can ensure that this money supports programs that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.