Caroline County is set to welcome its first and only marijuana dispensary this summer. Located in Federalsburg, the dispensary is currently in its final stages of preparation and will operate alongside Caroline Pharma, a locally owned pharmacy. Amar Kalidindi, the owner of Caroline Pharma and the soon-to-open Caroline Pharma Cannabis Dispensary, provided insight into the highly regulated facility.
Kalidindi highlighted that the dispensary collaborates with SunMed, one of Maryland’s largest cannabis growing facilities. He emphasized the quality of the products, stating that everything sold at the dispensary is organic and free from pesticides, chemicals, and mold. “Everything is approved by the state of Maryland and tested right here in Maryland,” he explained.
The establishment of the dispensary has required adherence to strict state regulations surrounding cannabis sales. Among these regulations are the implementation of a secure vault with restricted access, compliance-focused product staging, the presence of an on-site pharmacist, and a state-issued license for selling cannabis.
Eric Willis, co-owner of Caroline Pharma Cannabis Dispensary, noted that his license restricts him to operate only in Caroline County, making him the sole cannabis seller in the area at this time. He acknowledged the skepticism some small-town residents might have towards cannabis businesses, pointing out that many associate it with party culture.
Despite these perceptions, Willis is optimistic about the medical benefits of cannabis and is committed to changing the narrative surrounding its use in the community. He aims to educate residents about the potential health advantages and the responsible use of cannabis products.
