Politics

Maryland Lawmaker Says He Should Have Revealed Ties to Cannabis Industry 

Published on July 22, 2016 · Last updated July 28, 2020

A Maryland lawmaker says he wished he had been more transparent about his business connection to the cannabis industry prior to championing the legalization of medical marijuana in the state.

The Washington Post reported on Saturday that state Delegate Dan K. Morhaim is the clinical director for a company called Doctor's Orders, which is seeking a license from the state to dispense medical marijuana. Morhaim, a Democrat from Baltimore County, is also an emergency room doctor. From the Post:

Morhaim, a doctor who fought for more than a decade for the state to legalize pot for medical use, cleared his involvement with Doctor’s Orders with state ethics officials. But he never said publicly that he was part of a team applying for a license, despite repeated questions from The Post and even as he shepherded legislation this year to expand the types of medical professionals who could recommend cannabis. He also testified before the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission about how to administer the program.

 Weak, Narrow CBD Bill Introduced by Anti-Cannabis Senators

Morhaim told the Baltimore Sun that his affiliation with didn’t violate any ethics rules. Still, he says he should have been more open about the connection:

"In hindsight," Morhaim told The Baltimore Sun on Wednesday, he should have disclosed the extent of his relationship with Doctor's Orders LLC, "if I knew a better way to do it."

He said his affiliation with the company is not a conflict of interest and he followed all disclosure rules.

"In each moment, as I went, I followed all the rules the best that I knew how," he said. "At that time, it was the only way."

The state commission will award 15 licenses for growing operations as soon as next month and, later, up to 94 dispensary licenses.

NFL Lineman Eugene Monroe Won’t Take Opioids, Not Allowed Medical Cannabis. So He’s Retiring at 29.

The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.

Header photo via the Chesapeake Climate Action Network

Shop highly rated stores near you

Showing you stores near
See all stores
Leafly Staff
Leafly Staff
Leafly is the world’s largest cannabis information resource, empowering people in legal cannabis markets to learn about the right products for their lifestyle and wellness needs. Our team of cannabis professionals collectively share years of experience in all corners of the market, from growing and retail, to science and medicine, to data and technology.
View Leafly Staff's articles
Get good reads, local deals, and strain spotlights delivered right to your inbox.

By providing us with your email address, you agree to Leafly's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.