26-03-2025
Kensington neighbors concerned about proposed marijuana dispensary
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. () – Matt Rand thinks a marijuana dispensary along University Boulevard may not be the best thing for the Kensington area. In fact, he and others are hoping to stop it from becoming a reality.
'Does it normalize the use of marijuana?' Rand said. 'Does it normalize the use of drugs?'
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Those are some questions Rand has after finding out that a dispensary could open near his home in Kensington. Since finding out about it, he started a petition to keep it from opening. In about a week's time, it has more than 100 signatures.
'I don't think it's aligned with the values and vision of Kensington,' he said.
Some neighbors agree.
'I don't think we need to support that,' Ashby Anderson said. 'I think if people want to find marijuana, they can find it in other places.'
Others are more open to it.
'I'm not crazy about the idea just because the smell can get a little bit much,' one Kensington neighbor said. 'With that said, I really don't have a big issue with it.'
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Kensington said Montgomery County Council handles zoning issues related to business including this one that has gone through the permitting process.
DC News Now reached out to the Montgomery County Council about these concerns, but did not hear back in time for publication.
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