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Cannabis & Alcohol Coalition

Established in 2012 as the Community Alcohol Coalition (CAC), the CACs purpose was to address underage and binge drinking in St. Mary’s County. With the use of recreational marijuana passing in the 2022 state election, the CAC deemed it necessary to include the issues of cannabis use as it relates to young people in St. Mary’s County. The CAC, now known as the Cannabis & Alcohol Coalition, addresses negative impacts of the use of cannabis among young people as well as underage and binge drinking. The CAC is a volunteer, community-based organization that provides community outreach, public awareness campaigns and guidance to implement change in the community. The CAC relies heavily on the commitment and involvement of community members and organizations to successfully implement its designated strategies.

Outreach, Training, and Public Awareness

The active group of community-minded people who lead the CAC, continue their efforts to address the impact of cannabis and alcohol use on St. Mary’s County youth and young adults. Activities of the CAC include:

  • Host and participate in community events to raise awareness and provide information.
  • Promote continuous training and education to assist and update alcohol and cannabis retailers in the prevention of underage sales.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive communication campaigns utilizing social media, print ads, online ads, digital ads, printed materials, promotional items, billboards, PSA’s, and posters that highlight the risks associated with underage cannabis use, drinking and binge drinking.
  • Develop and implement policy change and serve as advocates for issues related to underage cannabis use, drinking and binge drinking.

JOIN! FOLLOW! SUPPORT!

For more information on the Coalition and how to become involved, please email us at smchd.cac@maryland.gov.

If you are interested in participating on the Cannabis & Alcohol Coalition, please register here

Community Partners:
  • St. Mary’s County Health Department
  • MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital
  • St. Mary’s County Department of Aging and Human Services
  • St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office
  • St. Mary’s County Teen Court
  • St. Mary’s County Public Schools
  • St. Mary’s Ryken High School
  • College of Southern Maryland
  • St. Mary’s College
  • St. Mary’s County Licensed Beverage Association
  • St. Mary’s County Alcohol Beverage Board
  • Pyramid Walden
  • Community members, parents and youth!

Recent State Legislation

  • On July 1, 2023, adults aged 21 years or older may possess and consume up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower, 12 grams of concentrated cannabis, or a total amount of cannabis products that may not exceed 750 milligrams of THC.
  • Cannabis remains illegal under federal law. This means cannabis may only be consumed in Maryland and in their own residence. Maryland will not regulate landlord’s policies regarding cannabis use.

Maryland Cannabis Bill Tracker

Additional Resources

*Program funded by SAMHSA and Maryland Department of Health

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