A new bill in the Prince George’s County Council would restrict where cannabis dispensaries could operate in the region, just days after adult-use recreational weed became legal in Maryland.

Introduced by councilmembers Krystal Oriadha, Edward P. Burroughs, Wala Blegay, and Eric C. Olson, the zoning legislation would prevent cannabis dispensaries — medical or recreational — from opening within 2,500 feet of daycares, camps, or schools. It would also ban cannabis businesses from operating (in most instances) within 2,500 feet of any Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission land and restrict them to industrial zones.

The Washington Post first reported the news.

The proposal also adds certain regulations on businesses, including only permitting signs mounted on buildings (as opposed to near the street), and limiting operating hours to 10 a.m. through 8 p.m. Dispensaries must also be at least more than one mile from any other dispensary.

The cannabis legislation closely mirrors a separate zoning bill passed by the council earlier this year attempting to curtail the proliferation of 24/7 tobacco and smoke shops in the county; approved unanimously in March, the law restricts business hours to 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and only allows them to operate in industrial zoning areas. While the cannabis dispensary bill would prevent businesses from operating within 2,500 feet of certain sites, the tobacco bill requires shops to be at least 300 feet from a school, park, historic site, library, or other specific designations. The council is also currently considering a third bill, which would update the definitions of convenience store, gas station, and tobacco shop, taking into account what percentage of each type of store can be dedicated to tobacco and cannabis sales.

None of the sponsoring councilmembers responded to DCist/WAMU’s request for comment on Wednesday. A spokesperson for County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said Wednesday that her office is still reviewing the legislation and has not “taken a position on it at this time.” In actuality, the executive’s position on the bill matters little; the bill is a piece of zoning legislation which the council has sole authority over. If the council passes the bill, it automatically becomes law.

Lawmakers introduced the legislation shortly after adult-use cannabis became fully legal in Maryland and the state’s existing medical dispensaries officially opened for recreational sales. On July 1, nearly 100 dispensaries across the state began selling adult-use cannabis. A provision in the General Assembly’s bill setting up the industry allowed for the state’s current medical marijuana retailers to transfer their licenses for recreational use, a way to get the industry up and running quickly. The General Assembly’s bill states that jurisdictions and counties cannot “unduly burden” license holders with zoning requirements, but it’s as yet unclear if the council’s bill would qualify as an undue burden.

It’s also unclear whether the Prince George’s County Council will ask the county’s already existing dispensaries to adhere to the law and relocate if necessary, should it pass. The text of the bill provides a 24-month grace period from the date of enactment for any cannabis dispensary to fall in line with the bill, but Oriadha told the Post that lawmakers will consider grandfathering in already existing businesses in the county.

It may be a while before anything of note happens with the legislation. The bill has to move into the Planning, Housing, and Economic Development Committee, which does not have another meeting until after the August recess.