Maryland pro-pot lawmaker says ‘in hindsight’ he should have disclosed biz ties
The state lawmaker who championed the legalization of Maryland medical marijuana in the state and last year joined a team applying to sell the drug told the Baltimore Sun on Wednesday that he should have been more transparent about his dual roles.
The Washington Post reported Saturday that Del. Dan K. Morhaim (D-Baltimore) is the clinical director for a company called Doctors Orders that is seeking a license from the state to dispense medical cannabis.
In its application, the company touts Morhaim as a highly sought after team member who was instrumental in legalizing the industry.
Morhaim cleared his involvement 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 and testified before the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission about how to administer the program.
The Sun reported Wednesday night that Morhaim said that in hindsight, he should have disclosed the extent of his relationship with the company, if I knew a better way to do it.
Morhaim did not return a phone call or email from The Post on Wednesday night.
After The Post published its article about his connections to Doctors Orders, Morhaim released a Jan. 23 email from Dea Daly, the General Assemblys ethics adviser, clearing him to sponsor legislation to allow midwives, dentists, podiatrists and other non-physicians to recommend medical marijuana to their patients.
Maryland ethics laws generally allow lawmakers to vote on bills affecting their industries, provided the legislation isnt targeted specifically on their companies.
The bill would not have a direct, financial impact on the entity for whom you consult or on you, Daly wrote to Morhaim.
Morhaim also said ...
