BALTIMORE, Md. — In a decisive move to tackle the issue of unlicensed cannabis sales, Baltimore City Council members are advancing new legislation aimed at curtailing smoke shops that engage in illegal practices.
The City Council has recently enacted a law that empowers police to padlock smoke shops that are found to be in persistent violation of the regulations.
“You either align with the law, or we will shut you down permanently. It’s straightforward,” stated Baltimore City Council Member Antonio Glover, who played a key role in sponsoring the bill.
City Council President Zeke Cohen emphasized that the legislation seeks to combat what he referred to as an escalating public health and safety crisis affecting the Baltimore community.
Taylor Epps
According to Cohen, Baltimore is home to over 1,400 smoke shops.
“The residents of Baltimore appreciate thriving local businesses, from grocery stores to various shops, but we will not tolerate harmful establishments that distribute dangerous products,” Cohen asserted.
Council Member Jermaine Jones highlighted that community residents have long voiced concerns about illicit activities in certain smoke shops and have joined forces with law enforcement to address these issues.
“Working alongside the Baltimore Police Department to conduct raids at various smoke shops and confiscate marijuana and other illegal substances, only to witness these locations reopening within 48 hours, has been frustrating,” Jones remarked.
Proponents of the new law argue that it effectively closes loopholes that have allowed certain businesses to persist despite multiple infractions.
The recently passed legislation allows for repeat offenders to be referred to the Office of Administrative Hearings. Consequently, Baltimore Police will be empowered to implement escalating sanctions, which may include padlocking the offending business.
Taylor Epps
“This empowers law enforcement to take decisive action against repeat offenders,” Cohen stated. “We will ensure that these establishments are shut down.”
This initiative marks the second phase of a comprehensive three-part strategy designed to regulate smoke shops in the city.
The initial phase focused on implementing zoning regulations. The final phase, which is yet to be introduced, aims to tackle the brightly colored window signage that many smoke shops display.
“These displays make our neighborhoods resemble red-light districts,” remarked community advocate Rita Crews. “The abundance of neon lights and vibrant signs seems to lure in our children.”
Cohen noted that the city’s intent is not to punish legitimate businesses but to focus on those that endanger the community.
“We aspire for all enterprises in Baltimore to prosper and thrive; however, if your actions put our children and neighborhoods at risk, you have no place in this city,” Cohen emphasized.
The bill is now pending the signature of Mayor Brandon Scott.
