CALIFORNIA, Md. — The St. Mary’s County Board of Appeals voted unanimously on July 10 to approve a conditional use permit for Southern Waves dispensary, paving the way for a 2,000-square-foot adult-use and medical-patient cannabis retail facility in California, Maryland. The decision follows hours of testimony, community concerns and clarification about regulatory compliance.
The property, located at 22805 Three Notch Road within the Lexington Park Development District, previously housed a bank. Southern Waves’ proposal includes utilizing the existing structure with minimal exterior changes, including a two-lane drive-through system.
Although board members expressed personal reservations about the proposal, they emphasized their responsibility to evaluate the application based solely on Maryland legal criteria.
“I personally would not approve it,” board member Donald LaRocco said. “But saying that, you guys meet every standard there is for the conditional use.”
The application received no objections from regulatory agencies, including the St. Mary’s County Health Department, the Maryland State Highway Administration and the local fire board. Organizations like St. Mary’s County Public Schools were not questioned about the matter.
Kevin Gibbs, Southern Waves project investor and consultant, emphasized Southern Waves’ commitment to being a responsible business in the community, stating, “We will be good neighbors, and you will have direct access to the ownership group.” He noted that his team has opened dispensaries across multiple states and prioritizes safety and compliance.
He also drew a distinction between state-regulated cannabis products and those sold at unlicensed retailers like vape shops.
“Dispensaries have a much more strict oversight from the state of Maryland,” Gibbs said. “The products are more heavily tested, more heavily regulated, [and] more heavily taxed.”
Gibbs also cited studies that found THC levels in vape store products were often much higher than dispensary products, misrepresented or even unregulated.
Still, the hearing revealed strong opposition from some community members and nearby business owners, including Upesh Patel, who operates Donut Connection, a business located just next door to the dispensary site.
“As a next-door neighbor, if you ask me, do I need that facility there, I would say no. It is a totally different type of business,” Patel told the board, referring to the previous use of the facility as a bank.
Other residents expressed unease about potential impacts on nearby families, including concerns over the dispensary’s proximity to a school bus stop and a daycare center located across the boulevard just beyond the 500-foot regulatory buffer.
Maria Morgan, who lives near the proposed dispensary site, gave testimony opposing the project. She expressed concern about the location’s proximity to neighborhoods and children, saying she had worked hard to buy a home in the area and feared the impact of cannabis retail nearby.
“I worked all my life to buy a beautiful property, and now I will have that kind of business over there,” Morgan said. She emphasized that the surrounding area is a residential community with schools and children present and questioned why such a business should be located there.
Christopher Longmore, legal counsel for Southern Waves, repeatedly stressed the dispensary’s strict compliance with state and local laws, noting that the proposed use is no less restrictive under Maryland law than those for alcohol retailers.
“Counties may not impose more burdensome zoning requirements on cannabis dispensaries than on liquor stores,” Longmore said.
Board members, while only voting on the conditional use of the facility, also questioned Southern Waves representatives about operational logistics, including how the drive-through would work and how age verification would be enforced. Gibbs described a secure ID-check system involving cameras, databases and real-time monitoring.
“We’re probably the most regulated retail industry in the state,” said Gibbs, while responding to questions about ID and age verification. “We’re held to the highest standard, [and] failure to comply results in losing your license.”
The applicants also highlighted their local ties. Southern Waves COO Kwasi Johnson and Gibbs told the board that their families have owned property in Maryland for generations and emphasized their commitment to being responsible neighbors.
Despite multiple residents urging the board to deny the permit, the board ultimately sided with the legal framework and regulatory findings for the conditional use of the building. “We’re bound by law,” said Michael Valcke. “They’ve met the burden. But I urge the operators to go above and beyond to be good community members.”
Board member Rita Weaver, a retired emergency room nurse, acknowledged her initial hesitancy but pointed to public health benefits, saying, “As far as you talked about a safer way to get the marijuana, I guess I see that as a positive thing.” She emphasized the potential harm of unregulated street drugs and highlighted that Southern Waves met the standards required by law.
“Between the state [regulations] and the county … you’ve met everything for conditional use,” Weaver said.
The board’s approval will be finalized in writing within 60 days, triggering a 30-day appeal window. If no appeals are filed, Southern Waves could begin interior renovations and final licensing steps shortly thereafter.
What Maryland Law Allows Under Adult-Use Cannabis
As of July 1, 2023, adults 21 and over in Maryland can legally purchase, possess and consume cannabis products for personal use. According to the Maryland Cannabis Administration, individuals may carry up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower, 12 grams of concentrated products such as vapes or wax, or edibles totaling no more than 750 milligrams of THC.
Cannabis use remains restricted to private property. Smoking or consuming cannabis in public spaces — including parks, sidewalks, restaurants, public transportation or federal land — is prohibited. Driving under the influence of cannabis is also illegal and may lead to DUI charges, as law enforcement can arrest individuals who show signs of impairment.
Cannabis products can only be purchased at licensed dispensaries, which are required to verify age using government-issued ID. Home cultivation is also permitted for adults, limited to two plants per household, and four plants for registered medical patients.
Maryland voters approved adult-use cannabis through a 2022 ballot referendum, and lawmakers followed up in 2023 by passing the Cannabis Reform Act. The law authorized legal sales beginning that July and aimed to expand economic opportunity in communities most affected by past cannabis enforcement. The law also created social equity licensing, expungement pathways for certain low-level offenses and new business categories for small operators.
Despite state legalization, cannabis remains illegal under federal law and cannot be transported across state lines.
Resources for Parents on Cannabis and Youth
As adult-use cannabis remains legal in Maryland for those 21 and older, the Maryland Cannabis Administration has created materials to help parents and caregivers navigate conversations with teens. The “Talking to Teens About Cannabis” brochure includes common questions youth may have, ideas for keeping communication open and context around state laws and product safety.
The Be Cannabis Smart resource from the state of Maryland provides comprehensive support information about cannabis use. The guide also outlines how cannabis today differs from previous decades and provides tips for understanding peer pressure, media influence and product packaging.
A range of educational resources from the St. Mary’s County Health Department can help residents understand cannabis laws, responsible use and public health considerations. Topics include where cannabis can be used, legal possession limits, safe storage and informational guides for parents, drivers and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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The last thing that St Mary’s County needs .
when someone is arrested for DUI it might be DUI cannabis , it might be both.
You liberals are something else, you are fine every disgusting thing imaginable, but you are so but hurt over some weed but I guarantee y’all do much more than that. Someone that tokes up should be the least of the worries.