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FREDERICK, Md. (AP) — The Frederick County Council is considering allowing medical marijuana production on land zoned for agriculture.
The bill is on the agenda for a meeting Tuesday afternoon.
The proposal follows a request from a group that wants to grow cannabis at an existing greenhouse business in Middletown. County land-use regulations currently allow medical marijuana growing only in industrial zones.
The group seeking the change says marijuana is a crop, and growing it in farming areas makes sense.
Opponents say it's safer to grow pot inside an industrial park warehouse.
The bill would require on-site armed security at all times. It would prohibit such operations within 1,000 feet of homes and schools.
The state of Maryland plans to award 15 licenses this year to grow medical marijuana.
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