Trappe Commission recommends changes to cannabis zoning

TRAPPE — On Tuesday evening, the Trappe Planning Commission discussed proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance regarding cannabis dispensaries.

The commissioners decided to recommend allowing dispensaries in commercial zones C-1 and C-2 by special exception, as they had originally intended.

Throughout Talbot County, towns are establishing cannabis zoning ordinances as they prepare for cannabis businesses to open following the state’s legalization of recreational cannabis that took affect in June of last year.

Lyndsey Ryan, Trappe’s attorney, stated that the zoning ordinance, which was initially approved by the Planning Commission in March, was returned to the commission due to changes established by the state of Maryland during the 2024 General Assembly, which ended in April.

The Trappe Town Council wanted a clear recommendation from the planning commission before they voted on the cannabis zoning ordinance.

“I think they wanted your opinion because the law had changed from the time you considered it to the time now,” Ryan said.

Included in the changes were the additional changes to the zoning ordinances for cannabis dispensaries including adding a 500 foot buffer from schools, childcare centers, playgrounds, recreation centers, libraries, places of worship and public parks. There is also an additional requirement that no licensed dispensary may be located within 100 feet of an area zoned for residential use.

These changes were made to comply with legislation that changed what is considered unduly burdensome for cannabis regulations compared to alcohol regulations.

The planning commission voted to approve their recommendation with the given changes.