Baltimore Mayor Signs ‘Padlock’ Bill for Illegal Cannabis Sales at Smoke Shops

Baltimore, Maryland Mayor Brandon Scott last week signed a bill to allow the city to padlock smoke shops found to have repeatedly sold unlicensed cannabis. During the bill signing, Scott said, the “bill is not about businesses that are following the law,” rather “about addressing those that are breaking the law and is based on experience and study.”

“To be clear, Baltimore is home to legal, regulated, cannabis sales…This bill updates the city’s existing padlocking law to explicitly include illegal cannabis activity and establishes an independent hearing process.” — Scott during the press conference

Under the law, businesses with two or more qualifying incidents within a two-year period could be padlocked by the city. Qualifying incidents include illegal cannabis sales or concealed storage of a “significant amount” of cannabis, Scott said. Cases will go to either the state Office of Administrative Hearings or the Environmental Control Board for review. Under the law, the police commissioner issues the final order, but judicial review is available for affected parties.

“This bill also requires follow-through,” Scott said during his remarks. “The [police] commissioner had to initiate abatement within 15 calendar days after issuing the order and that action may include closing the business for no longer than one year.”

According to the City Council, Baltimore is home to more than 1,400 licensed tobacco retailers.