The law school and the Maryland Department of Health join forces to help navigate complex public health issues surrounding the state’s legalization of adult-use cannabis.
The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) recently announced the creation of the Cannabis Legal Resource Center (CLRC) to help navigate complex public health issues surrounding the state’s legalization of adult-use cannabis.
July 1 marks one year since Maryland became one of two dozen states to legalize recreational marijuana for adults over 21. The law change has highlighted a growing need for legal guidance to develop effective and equitable cannabis policies that will ensure product safety, educate users, and mitigate negative health impacts
Housed at Maryland Carey Law and led by cannabis law and policy expert Mathew Swinburne, JD, the resource center will provide legal technical assistance to the Maryland state government as well as local governments, health departments, and community organizations. The work began in early spring when CLRC distributed a needs assessment survey to all 24 Maryland health departments to determine how cannabis is impacting their communities.
“With legalization, communities will likely face new public health challenges,” Swinburne said. “We’re here to help navigate the complex legal landscape, partner on solutions, and advocate for evidence-based policies that protect Marylanders’ health.”