Heather Eshleman, MPH, prevention manager at The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, presented on their grant program for colleges and universities. They are offering $15,000 grants to 16 schools this year. An in-person training on the grant application will be held on October 23 from 9am-2pm at the Annapolis Doubletree Hotel.
Þ Towson University received a problem gambling grant as well as a national grant for $40,000 from the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Þ UMES received a grant to conduct programming related to problem gambling prevention, including events around March Madness and a problem gambling survey.
Martha Ruffin with Johns Hopkins presented data from an online review of 42 schools and one state school system on campus cannabis odor policies. The Maryland Collaborative team used these policies to develop a model policy related to campus cannabis odors. The model policy aims to maintain a learning and living environment conducive to the well-being, comfort, and academic success of all students, faculty, and staff.
Model language defining a noxious/unpleasant/offensive odor:
o A noxious/unpleasant/offensive* odor is any odor that is unreasonably strong and likely to cause significant discomfort or disruption to others within the university environment.
* Each campus may need to choose the framing word that best resonates with their campus life.
Model policy prohibition
o States the prohibition to noxious/unpleasant/offensive* odors and specifically lists cannabis and marijuana.
Raimee Eck, PhD, MPH, MPAS, CPH with Johns Hopkins provided an update on new cannabis, tobacco, and alcohol laws passed (and those that were unsuccessful) in the MDGA 2024 session.
o SB456/HB808—allows for alcohol delivery by third parties such as Door Dash. The delivery person must be at least 21 and trained in alcohol awareness. Jurisdictions can opt in or out of this. The bill went into effect July 1.
o SB537/HB805—Cannabis Licensee Location Restrictions allows community members to challenge the renewal of a cannabis business license if it has engaged in bad behavior.
o HB253—Cannabis Reform Act Alterations prohibits cannabis businesses from sponsoring events unless at least 85% of audience is expected to be adults.
o SB244/HB238—Clean Indoor Air Act revisions. The Act already covered smoking of tobacco, cannabis, and hemp. This bill adds vaping to the prohibited conduct.
o SB220/HB42—Public Health Services Protections was revised to remove the military exemption from the ban on purchase of tobacco products, paraphernalia, and vaping devices by individuals under 21. Maryland had created this exemption to the federal law and this removes that exemption.