Charles County Planning and Growth Management staff have recommended amending the zoning ordinance to allow recreational cannabis dispensaries in the same locations currently permitted for medical cannabis operations. The change would eliminate the medical-use requirement while keeping existing conditions in place.
The recommendation stems from the Maryland General Assembly’s 2023 Cannabis Reform Act, which legalized recreational cannabis sales. Previously, sales were limited to medical purposes. The reform opens the market for additional licenses, with Charles County projected to receive five more.
Current zoning allows medical cannabis processing in seven zones: Agricultural Conservation, Business Park, Community Commercial, Central Business, Light Industrial, Heavy Industrial and Planned Employment Park. Dispensaries are permitted in six of those zones (excluding Agricultural Conservation) with conditions including a 1,000-foot buffer from schools, day-care facilities and substance rehabilitation centers, and a buffer yard C to separate the use from adjacent properties. Operators must also obtain and maintain a valid license from the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (now the Maryland Cannabis Administration).
Staff recommend updating Sections 6.04.100 and 6.04.200 to reference cannabis generally, whether medical or recreational. The same zones and conditions would apply, allowing for broader distribution of the new licenses along the U.S. 301 corridor and other commercial and industrial areas.
The County Commissioners have requested that staff develop a draft bill to ensure the additional five licenses are evenly distributed among the county’s districts. This approach aims to balance economic opportunities while addressing community concerns about concentration in any single area.
Cannabis reform in Maryland has created new business opportunities while requiring local governments to update regulations. Charles County’s zoning review ensures the county is prepared to accommodate the expanded market responsibly. The even-distribution goal reflects a desire to spread potential economic benefits and manage potential impacts across all commissioner districts.
The U.S. 301 corridor, a major commercial spine through the county, is highlighted as a likely area for new dispensaries due to its existing zoning and traffic patterns. Other suitable zones include business parks and industrial areas that can accommodate the required buffers and parking.
Public safety, traffic and community character are key considerations in cannabis zoning decisions. The existing 1,000-foot buffer and buffer yard requirements are designed to minimize impacts on sensitive uses such as schools and residential neighborhoods. Maintaining these standards while expanding to recreational use provides continuity in how the county regulates the industry.
The Maryland Cannabis Administration oversees licensing for both medical and recreational operators. Local zoning approval is a critical step in the process for new dispensaries. Charles County’s update will position the county to respond promptly when additional licenses become available.
The recommendation comes as Southern Maryland continues to see growth in retail, tourism and small business development. Cannabis dispensaries represent a new sector that could bring jobs and tax revenue while requiring careful planning to integrate with existing communities.
Commissioners’ request for even distribution suggests a deliberate approach to licensing. By aiming for geographic balance, the county seeks to avoid over-concentration in any one area while providing opportunities for businesses in different parts of Charles County.
Staff will now draft legislation for commissioner review. The process will include public input opportunities as required for zoning amendments. The final ordinance will determine where recreational cannabis sales can occur once state licenses are issued.
Charles County’s approach aligns with many other Maryland jurisdictions updating local rules following the 2023 reform. The focus on maintaining existing conditions while expanding eligibility reflects a measured response to the new market.
For residents and businesses in Charles County, the zoning update could influence local commercial development and economic activity in the coming years. The even-distribution goal aims to ensure benefits and impacts are shared fairly across the county.
The Planning and Growth Management Department’s recommendation provides a framework for integrating recreational cannabis sales into the county’s land use regulations. Commissioners’ direction for district balance adds an additional layer of local control over how the industry develops.
