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At the MACo Summer Conference, an expert panel provided a detailed overview of how counties can responsibly manage and allocate new revenue from adult-use cannabis and opioid restitution, highlighting permissible and restricted uses.
In the wake of opioid settlements and the legalization of cannabis, counties face the challenge and opportunity of managing new revenue streams. These funds present a unique chance to address pressing local needs, from public health initiatives to community development projects. However, the complexities of permissible and restricted uses require careful navigation to maximize their impact.
Maryland State Senator Cheryl Kagan, Vice Chair of the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee, led the conversation and moderated an informative Q&A at the “New Money, New Strings: Taming Targeted Funds” session at the MACo Summer Conference.
#TeamComptroller’s Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Michael Bayrd, brought a HIGH level of expertise at the “New Money, New Strings: Taming Targeted Funds” #MACoCon panel! Director Bayrd discussed the emerging revenues from cannabis legalization. pic.twitter.com/20oi0glXKf
— Comptroller of Maryland (@MDComptroller) August 16, 2024
Panel speakers included:
- The Honorable CT Wilson, Chair, Economic Matters Committee, Maryland House of Delegates
- Robbie Sandlass, Treasurer, Harford County
- Audrey Johnson, Executive Director, Office of Social Equity
- Michael Bayrd, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Office of the Maryland Comptroller
Delegate CT Wilson opened the session by discussing the legislative perspective of adult-use cannabis revenues. Chair Wilson, the House sponsor of legislation legalizing, regulating, and taxing adult-use cannabis, emphasized the importance of understanding the legislative intent behind these funds and the need for counties to align their use of resources with state priorities. Delegate Wilson also highlighted the potential pitfalls of not adhering to the specific conditions attached to these funds, stressing the importance of transparency and accountability in their management.
Harford County Treasurer Robbie Sandlass provided a county government perspective, focusing on the practical challenges of integrating targeted opioid restitution funds into county budgets. While these funds represent a significant and unprecedented financial resource for counties intended to address the devastating impacts of the opioid crisis, Sandlass stressed that these funds come with stringent requirements that dictate how they must be spent, often targeting specific programs like addiction treatment, prevention efforts, and recovery services. Sandlass underscored the importance of strategic financial planning and the need for counties to proactively seek clarity on the conditions attached to these funds to avoid missteps.
Audrey Johnson, Executive Director of the Office of Social Equity, brought a social equity lens to the conversation. She discussed the importance of leveraging adult-use cannabis revenues to address disparities and promote community equity. Johnson emphasized the need for counties to think creatively about using these funds to advance social equity goals, particularly in underserved and marginalized communities. She also highlighted the importance of community engagement and ensuring that the benefits of these funds reach those most in need.
Michael Bayrd, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the Office of the Maryland Comptroller, provided insights into the Maryland Comptroller’s responsibility to collect the tax and distribute revenue from retail sales of adult-use cannabis. Bayard also highlighted the tools and resources available to assist county governments in effectively allocating revenue from adult-use cannabis sales to support public services and community initiatives.
The session was on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland.
More about MACo’s Summer Conference:
