Acting Baltimore mayor draws lawmakers’ optimism, support

Members of the General Assembly from Baltimore said they have confidence in ex-officio Mayor Bernard “Jack” Young, the city council’s president, after meeting with him early Tuesday morning. Young is taking over the city’s helm after Mayor Catherine Pugh — who is under scrutiny for undeclared sales of children’s books to and through organizations doing business with the city — stepped aside for health reasons.

Bill expanding medical cannabis licenses amended

A bill that would expand Maryland’s medical cannabis industry to include more minority ownership, after more than a month in legislative limbo, is moving again in the General Assembly, with amendments.

The Legislative Black Caucus calls for a special session on medical marijuana legislation

Members of the Maryland General Assembly Legislative Black Caucus, upset by the failure of one of their top priorities in the closing minutes of the just-ended 90-day session are now calling for passage of that legislation and demanding the governor and legislative leaders call a special session to do that. The bill would expand the number of licensed growers in state’s medical marijuana program by adding five growers to add diversity which the caucus says is currently lacking.

Maryland legislators consider bills that would increase medical marijuana business owner diversity

This legislative session, state lawmakers are considering a spate of bills outlining different solutions intended to address a lack of diversity in licenses, and two lawsuits that have delayed the rollout of Maryland’s nascent medical cannabis industry.

Medical cannabis, justice, education top Black Caucus agenda

The Maryland Black Caucus laid out their priorities for the 2017 General Assembly session, including diversifying the medical cannabis industry, eliminating the cash bail system and reforming education during a press conference Wednesday morning.

House Legislators Pushing for Medical Marijuana, Against Synthetics

House delegates are pushing to legalize medical marijuana, while tightening restrictions on its synthetic counterparts.