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.

Mathew Swinburne, JD

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.”

Funded by MDH, the resource center will assist state and local health departments in developing effective public health policies around cannabis as well as educate Maryland policymakers on federal, state, and local laws and effective, science-based policies to address a wide range of public health issues.

“Funding the Cannabis Legal Resource Center is a significant step forward in our commitment to understand and address the public health implications of adult cannabis use legalization in Maryland,” said Nilesh Kalyanaraman, MD, deputy secretary for public health services. “This historic partnership will inform state and local cannabis policy, education, and public engagement strategies to protect the health and well-being of all Marylanders, especially our youth.”

In addition to providing legal technical assistance in areas such as health disparities, smoke-free environments, and federal and state regulations, the resource center will:

• Host webinars and a statewide cannabis law and policy conference
• Develop a resource toolkit and website
• Track cannabis- and hemp-related legislation in Maryland

CLRC expands the work of Maryland Carey Law’s Legal Resource Center for Public Health Policy, which has been providing technical assistance to Maryland government agencies on tobacco control policies and laws since 2001.