In last week’s election, Baltimore voters overwhelmingly approved a measure to establish a city fund aimed at compensating communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis arrests and prosecutions.
The charter amendment, known as Question G, passed with 76% of voters in favor and 24% opposed.
Question G allows Baltimore to tap into state funds generated by Maryland’s recreational marijuana sales tax to support these communities. Maryland imposes a 9% tax on recreational cannabis, directing 35% of the revenue to the state’s Community Repair and Reinvestment Fund, of which Baltimore will receive the largest share due to its high proportion—30%—of marijuana possession prosecutions between July 2002 and January 2023.
Under the new measure, Baltimore must outline specific legislation detailing how these funds will be allocated before receiving its share. The law identifies “disproportionately impacted communities” based on areas with more than 150% of the state’s 10-year average for cannabis possession charges, ensuring targeted support.
The Baltimore City Council, led by President Nick Mosby, had previously established a 17-member commission to oversee the distribution of these funds. While Mayor Brandon Scott initially backed the initiative, Chief Equity Officer Dana Moore raised concerns about potential liabilities once the state’s fund expires in 2033. Despite these concerns, Mosby and public policy advocate Dayvon Love emphasized that the amendment does not require Baltimore to allocate city funds but instead dedicates state resources exclusively to these communities.
As of its first year, Maryland’s cannabis tax fund has generated $21.3 million, with a significant share expected for Baltimore. The amendment ensures that these funds will be used for community reinvestment and reparations, focusing on those most affected by the war on drugs.
The ballot text of Question G read: “For the purpose of establishing a continuing, non-lapsing Community Reinvestment and Reparations Fund… The Mayor and City Council are authorized, by ordinance, to provide for the oversight, governance, and administration of the Fund.”
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