Health

Per the Maryland Department of Health: The Maryland Department of Health today announced the first travel-related Powassan virus death in Maryland. The Department confirmed the presence of Powassan, which is spread by the bite of an infected tick, on Sept. 22, with subsequent follow-ups reinforcing that result.

“We are very saddened to report the first death due to the Powassan virus in our state,” said Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman. “Powassan is very rare, and this is the first-ever case recorded in Maryland. The individual contracted the virus in Canada and returned to Maryland afterward. We do not believe that Powassan poses any threat of local transmission in Maryland. As always, we urge everyone to practice good habits when in areas that could have ticks or avoid those areas altogether.”

$90,977,416 million of cannabis was sold in the state of Maryland during the month of September, according to the Maryland Cannabis Administration, just short of the $91 million sold in August.  These totals include both medical and recreational marijuana sales. Recreational cannabis sales became legal in the state on the July 1, 2023.  Any resident over the age of 21 with a valid government ID is now legally allowed to purchase and possess cannabis products from registered dispensaries in Maryland. A complete list of cannabis dispensaries in Montgomery County below can be found below.

Bethesda: 

Per the State of Maryland: Today, Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller received a training on overdose response and using the opioid overdose reversal medicine naloxone at the State House. They also recognized September as National Recovery Month and reiterated the administration’s support for increasing access to substance use treatment and recovery services.

“Overdose has touched so many Maryland families, including my own,” said Lt. Gov. Miller. “We need to create a seat at the table for everyone as we continue to identify ways to reach those who need support. Whether it’s state government, community organizations, local partners, or individuals, we all have a role to play in combating the overdose crisis and saving lives – and we can all start by carrying naloxone and recognizing the signs of an overdose.”

Despite the growing number of states who have legally authorized, regulated cannabis businesses, including Maryland, cannabis remains classified as an illegal substance under the federal Controlled Substances Act and certain federal banking statutes. Because cannabis remains classified as an illegal substance, banks providing services to state-licensed cannabis dispensaries and related businesses are at risk for criminal and civil liability. This risk has significantly inhibited the ability of financial institutions to provide services to regulated cannabis operators and leaves those businesses struggling to find financing. The lack of access to banking services creates both barriers to entry into the industry and instability for existing businesses. In addition, the current banking restrictions constrict state agencies’ effort to collect taxes and conduct oversight. Further, as too many states have seen, when regulated businesses can only conduct business in cash, employees and customers are at greater risk of violent crime in pursuit of that cash.

“Legal cannabis businesses should have access to funding that provides them opportunities equal to other industries to grow, contribute to the economy, and create new jobs. This is particularly important for small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses, which have faced disproportionately high barriers to accessing funding,” said Attorney General Brown. “Just like any other business, the cannabis industry cannot operate safely, transparently, or effectively without access to financial services. Without the SAFER Banking Act, we are setting up these businesses to fail, and opportunities for Marylanders will be lost.”