Volunteers Needed To Serve On Howard County's Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Anyone interested in serving on Howard County's adult-use cannabis advisory panel should apply by Aug. 9.

The panel will study the implementation of adult-use cannabis in Howard County and make recommendations on how the county can promote health, public safety, business and social and racial equity in the adult-use market. The panel also will provide input on the granting of community reinvestment and repair funding to community organizations working in disproportionately impacted areas, the county stated.

"With the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Maryland, Howard County is committed to promoting public health, public safety, business and social and racial equity in the adult-use market. The adult-use cannabis advisory panel will be a critical partner in that effort. We encourage residents with experience in these areas to help us develop programs and policies that will meet these goals," stated Howard County Executive Calvin Ball.

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be a Howard County resident over the age of 18 and be able to attend at least four board meetings a year. Individuals with experience in cannabis law, science, policy, public health, health care, agriculture, local business, finance or addiction treatment are encouraged to apply. Individuals who have had state licenses to operate cannabis dispensaries, processing facilities, growing facilities or on-site consumption facilities; represents an organization that advocates on behalf of patients who engage in medical use; or represents an organization that advocates on behalf of consumers for adult use also are encouraged to apply. Board members will serve terms ranging from one to three years.

Interested applicants should complete an application online by visiting www.howardcountymd.gov/applybc and selecting “Adult-Use Cannabis Advisory Panel” in the form. The names of eligible applicants will be submitted to the county executive for consideration. If approved, the appointment will be forwarded to the County Council for confirmation.