Hemp Crops in Maryland Face Public Scrutiny
Farmers Want to Cash In on Hemp Crops, but Cannabis Stigma Scaring Local Residents – LPC Hemp crops in the state of Maryland in the US face scrutiny from the public. The Baltimore Sun reports that residents across the state are complaining the hemp is triggering asthma attacks. “The people that have contacted me have said that they’ve had problems with some of their children who have respiratory issues,” said Baltimore County Councilman Wade Kach. He sponsored a bill to limit hemp farms in Baltimore County, even though the US legalized hemp in 2018. Currently, there are five. “People who have asthma find that their conditions are more agitated from the hemp.” “This is frightening," said Michele Pearlman, a nearby resident. “Council, you have our health in your hands. Please protect us by passing this bill.” However, the fear of hemp crops may be a case of cannabis stigma. Farmers claim the smell of hemp cannot affect your health. "You may not like the smell, but it’s not dangerous,” said Kevin Atticks of the Maryland Hemp Coalition. He added that there aren’t any studies that show simply being near hemp has negative health effects. Public scrutiny around cannabis and hemp is not new. In Santa Barbara, California, concerned residents moved to block cannabis in wine country. The long history of cannabis criminalization has also fuelled negative public opinion. Baltimore County Latest Battleground Baltimore County is one of the latest battlegrounds for hemp crops. Read the full article
