Maryland

Maryland marks 1 year of legal recreational marijuana through pardons and explosive growth

Published

2 days ago

July 1, 2024

Maryland marks 1 year of legal recreational marijuana through pardons and explosive growth

BALTIMORE — Maryland raked in more than $14 million in taxes for marijuana sales within the first three months alone this year, and sales are growing as the state marks the first anniversary of legal recreational cannabis use.

The high life is good for Connor Whelton, who is one of the founders and CEO of ReLeaf, a marijuana dispensary on Cathedral Street in Baltimore.

“First of all, I had a passion for the product, and I come from a time when it was heavily stigmatized,” Whelton said. “The use of this equaled you not being successful, and I wanted to challenge those misconceptions because I was meeting really fine people who used the product.”

Maryland raked in more than $14 million in taxes for marijuana sales within the first three months alone this year.

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Meeting consumers where they are

Whelton’s team came up with innovative ways to get the product to customers, from home deliveries to a walk-up window—or you can just browse the menu in the store.

“I saw this incredible opportunity coming to Maryland and quickly went to work on it, and it feels like the blink of an eye later here we are,” he said.

As the stigma over marijuana use wanes, Whelton is seeing a new customer base.

“We are definitely seeing more first-time users, which is creating this infectious enthusiasm for people who come in and are just appreciative of being here, Whelton told WJZ. “And you’re also seeing more acceptance of people who would normally have never tried this as an option. Where they had surgery on their ankle, they’re not going to use an opioid. They’re going to try some gummies and see how that makes them feel.”

With recreational marijuana now legal in 24 states, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is moving to reclassify the drug to a less dangerous category under the Controlled Substances Act.

This comes as daily marijuana users now outnumber daily drinkers for the first time ever, according to a report from researchers at Carnegie Mellon University.

The change in preference is largely being driven by young people.

Of people aged 18 to 24, 69% prefer marijuana to alcohol, according to a 2022 survey by New Frontier Data, a cannabis research firm.

One year later In Maryland

Maryland legalized recreational use on July 1st, 2023.

The excitement caused some to line up in anticipation, and the state has already seen recreational outpace medical cannabis purchases.

“From last July until the end of May, the industry has done about $1 billion in sales. Now, we can confidently say this is a billion-dollar market,” Whelton said.

Following the money

In April alone, the state recorded $63 million in recreational sales compared to $30 million in medical out of a total $462 million in overall sales so far this year.

From January through March, Maryland collected $14.6 million in sales taxes, according to the comptroller’s office.

The D.C. region is responsible for the biggest chunk, $6.7 million, followed by the Baltimore region at $3.7 million.

More than $4 million will be reinvested in lower-income neighborhoods most impacted by the War on Drugs.

“We view it as one of the most successful market launches in the ten-year history of legal cannabis sales. Maryland sales have more than doubled since the adult-use market was launched,” said Ben Burstein, from Leaf Link, which runs a wholesale marketplace.

Retail prices In Maryland

Burstein said retail prices tend to be a bit higher in Maryland. The state dashboard says the median price per gram is $9.64.

“Back last summer, Maryland had the highest prices per unit in the entire country…That’s started to come down, but it’s still relatively high compared to most states,” Burstein said. “As you get more capacity, prices are going to continue to decline.”

Governor Moore’s pardons

Maryland recently made national headlines when Governor Wes Moore pardoned more than 175,000 people convicted of low-level possession charges.

They included Shiloh Jordan, who lost his job at the time, but has since picked himself back up.

“It felt crazy because I was like I’m not even a criminal, I could see if I was a bad guy doing bad stuff, but I’m like, this isn’t even my MO,” Jordan told CBS News. “…I felt defeated at the time…but when life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Now I’m here. I made lemonade.”

A program even aims to help those once convicted get jobs in the cannabis industry.

Equity in cannabis

The state made equity a centerpiece of its licensing.

Maryland became the first state in the nation to open a cannabis licensing round exclusively for qualifying social equity applicants in all license types.

“Maryland is issuing social equity licenses. You have 150 stories that are going to come online,” Burstein said. “You have stores in all the major metro areas. You have pretty good coverage of the rural areas. In Maryland today, you have a state that’s No. 9 in total sales across the U.S. that’s only going to continue growing.”

New competition

Whelton welcomes the competition as more dispensaries open.

“That competition is a healthy competition because of the numbers,” Whelton said. “As a result, the product quality that you’re getting here is very high compared to some other states. Some states have so many licenses that nobody is making it, and the quality of product suffers or taxes are so high that you can’t overcome that and pay for keeping the doors open.”

Whelton said many licenses are operated by people who left other lives “to pour themselves into this, and it is complicated and challenging.”

He’s in it for the long haul as Maryland’s recreational cannabis industry celebrates a milestone first anniversary with high expectations for the future.

“I wouldn’t say anyone has necessarily made it yet. We are making it. We are working on it actively, but again we are big believers in what Maryland is doing,” Whelton said.

Mike Hellgren

WJZ Investigator Mike Hellgren came to WJZ in the spring of 2004. Solid reporting credentials and a reputation for breaking important news stories have characterized Mike’s work. Mike holds a B.S. degree in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and grew up partly in both Chicago and Louisiana.

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Maryland

4th of July fireworks: How and where to watch 2024 celebrations in Maryland & Virginia

Published

6 hours ago

July 3, 2024

Press Room

4th of July fireworks: How and where to watch 2024 celebrations in Maryland & Virginia

The Fourth of July is a short distance away and the festivities are in the air. And a fireworks show is a must to celebrate the Independence Day of America. However, it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact scenic viewpoints to watch fireworks. In this article, we will explore the top scenic locations in Maryland and Virginia to watch the fireworks the right way.

Fourth of July fireworks in Maryland and Virginia.

Also Read: 4th of July fireworks: How and where to watch in 2024 celebrations in DC

Fourth of July fireworks show in Maryland: Top locations to visit

Six Flags America Fireworks Celebration: Timing

Plan your day at Six Flags America for the celebration of the Fourth of July with their day-long activities including rides, slides, and entertainment and an evening filled with DJ parties. Conclude your day with a display of fun fireworks at 9:15 pm. The tickets for the three-day event from July 4 to July 6 are priced at $25 and offer VIP fireworks packages as well, as reported by NBC Washington.

Germantown Glory Concert and Fireworks: Timing

For the folks residing in Montgomery County, the concert will be a family-friendly option to celebrate Independence Day. There is no entry fee and the concert will start at 7 pm on July 4. Visit the South Germantown Recreational Park in Boyds with your picnic sets and enjoy food from vendors as you enjoy the lively performance by the Central City Orchestra. No pets and alcoholic beverages are allowed at the concert.

Also Read: 2024 Fourth of July survey: Best US cities to celebrate Independence Day

Rockville’s Independence Day Celebration: Timing

Enjoy the music era of the 80s and 90s covered by the band Uncle Jesse followed by the address from the mayor and council. As reported by NBC Washington, visit Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park (1800 Piccard Drive, Rockville, Maryland) by 7 pm and enjoy a performance by the Victorian Lyric Opera Company. There are parking lots available and everyone is encouraged to bring blankets and picnic sets to enjoy a comfortable evening. Fireworks will follow at 9:15 pm and there is no admission fee.

Frederick’s 4th: Timing

Celebrate the Fourth of July in Frederick County at Baker Park, Frederick, Maryland from noon to dusk. The two-stage set for the event will ensure family entertainment with rides, food, fireworks and more one and performances by Milk Mountain, Sons of Pirates, and 8 OHMS on the other. Wine and beer from three separate gardens will be available followed by an evening of fireworks. There is no admission fee for the celebrations.

Charles County Fairgrounds Fireworks

Station yourself at Charles County Fairgrounds (8440 Fairgrounds Road, La Plata, Maryland) by 10:30 pm on the Independence Day evening to celebrate with live music, food from vendors, rides for children and the must-show of fireworks. There is no admission fee to pay at the venue.

Also Read: 4th of July fireworks: How and where to watch 2024 celebrations in Los Angeles

Fourth of July fireworks show in Virginia: Top locations to visit

Stafford County

Those looking to celebrate Independence Day with food trucks, DJ and lawn games can head to John Lee Pratt Park (120 River Road, Fredericksburg, Virginia) with fireworks at 9:30 pm. According to NBC Washington, the event is free for residents of Stafford County and for others, there is a charge of $10 for every car and $5 for every walk-in. A life performance by the Fredericksburg concert band is also scheduled at 6:30 pm.

Manassas’ Celebrate America

The historic downtown of Manassas will start its celebration at 3:00 pm at Manassas Museum Lawn, 9101 Prince William St. The fireworks will begin at 9:15 pm preceded by fun activities including kids’ rides, face paintings, and food from vendors. People interested can bring chairs, tables and blankets and station themselves on the Manassas Museum lawn.

Also Read: 4th of July sales in US: Shop top brands on furniture, fashion, beauty and more

Great Falls

Looking for farms to celebrate the Fourth of July? Head towards Turner Farm, 925 Springvale Rd., Great Falls in Virginia who are offering fun activities including inflatable rides, a climbing wall and a cornhole tournament at a donation of $20 per family and premium locations for fireworks at $150-$300. The farms will open at 6 pm and individuals can participate or volunteer for the tournament through their website. Fireworks will follow at 9 pm.

Fairfax: We Stand United

The Fairfax High School is celebrating Independence Day with historic home tours and parades at Fairfax High School, 3501 Lion Run, Fairfax. The evening shows will begin at 6:30 pm and fireworks at 9:30 pm. There is a space crunch in parking lots, however, people can park at Woodson High School and take a shuttle bus to the location of the fireworks, as reported by NBC Washington.

Great Meadow Independence Day Celebration

Head to 5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains for a day full of activities priced at $50 per car in advance for up to six passengers and $60 at the gate. The Great Meadow is hosting their 35th annual Fourth of July celebrations which will start at 5 pm. Their award-winning fireworks with drones and will fire off at dusk. The day will kick off with an air show by the Flying Circus and lawn games for the family. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase or people can bring their picnic.

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Maryland

Montgomery County man dies after altercation with neighbor, family seeks answers

Published

13 hours ago

July 2, 2024

Press Room

Montgomery County man dies after altercation with neighbor, family seeks answers

article

GERMANTOWN, Md. – A Germantown man has passed away following a heated altercation with his neighbor nearly three weeks ago.

Montgomery County police reported that 40-year-old Marvin Guevara died over the weekend at a nearby hospital.

Guevara’s family is grappling with his sudden death, awaiting the results of an autopsy to understand what led to his tragic end.

“I really thought my dad was going to make it. He’s a really strong man. WAS a really strong man,” said Marvin Guevara Jr., Guevara’s son.

Guevara Sr. had been hospitalized for 17 days, fighting for his life after an argument turned physical with his next-door neighbor.

“My dad got hurt really bad,” added Guevara Jr.

According to Guevara Jr., who rushed to their home on Bucklodge Road in Boyds upon learning of the incident, his father was dizzy and struggling after sustaining multiple punches to the head during the dispute.

Police indicated that the altercation escalated when a female neighbor confronted Guevara about his dogs, which had wandered into her backyard.

The confrontation turned violent when the neighbor allegedly struck Guevara in the head.

Guevara’s daughter-in-law, who witnessed the incident, described the neighbor as attacking him from behind, causing him to collapse.

Video footage captured the tense aftermath, with voices heard urging Guevara to leave their property.

FOX 5 reached out to the neighbor for comment, who responded defensively, claiming Guevara had been trespassing.

Despite the family’s grief, no arrests have been made yet.

Police are awaiting the results of the autopsy from the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore to determine the official cause of Guevara’s death.

“He was a wonderful person; always smiled. He was always there for others – always had a good heart,” Guevara Jr. remembered his father.

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Maryland

Team Maryland Announces $2.5 Million to Bolster School-Based Medicaid & CHIP Services for Children – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin

Published

20 hours ago

July 2, 2024

Press Room

Team Maryland Announces $2.5 Million to Bolster School-Based Medicaid & CHIP Services for Children – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) today announced $2.5 million in Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services funding to bolster school-based health services for Maryland children.

Made available through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the federal dollars will be used to enhance facilities, recruit health care providers, and develop systems to further reinvest in growing school-based health care offerings for students. School-based health care allows children and adolescents – especially those in underserved communities – to access critical primary, preventive, mental, and behavioral health care in convenient, trusted settings, and has been shown to have positive impacts on both the health and academic outcomes of students.

“Investing in the health and wellbeing of our children is an investment in our future,” said the lawmakers. “Team Maryland has long fought to secure stronger, more expansive health benefits for children, particularly through Medicaid and CHIP, and this federal funding will help further that mission.”

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