Baltimore Mayor signs law to padlock smoke shops selling illegal marijuana

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott has signed legislation, City Council Bill 26-0193, granting authorities the power to shut down smoke shops that repeatedly sell illegal marijuana or other controlled substances. The law updates the city’s existing public nuisance and padlock provisions to specifically address unauthorized cannabis distribution.

Under the new measure, a business that receives a second citation for illegal sales within a 24-month period can face an abatement hearing. If an order is issued by the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings or the city’s Environmental Control Board, the Baltimore Police Department must act within 15 days. The resulting penalty can include padlocking the premises for up to one year.

The legislation aims to target shops operating outside Maryland’s regulated marijuana market rather than authorized dispensaries. To ensure due process, the law includes an administrative review step, allowing business owners to contest allegations before a closure order is executed.