Maryland lawmakers are considering launching an investigation of Del. Daniel K. Morhaim (D-Baltimore County) over his involvement with a medical marijuana company while pushing for regulations and legislation affecting the burgeoning industry, according to two people with direct knowledge of the matter.
Staff on the Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics are conducting a preliminary probe on Morhaim ahead of an Oct. 19 meeting, at which lawmakers will consider whether to authorize a full investigation, the two individuals said. Both people spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss ethics probes.
The Baltimore Sun first reported the possible ethics inquiry.
Morhaim, who has said he secured clearance for his dual roles from the General Assembly’s ethics advisor, said in an e-mail on Friday that he will cooperate fully with the Legislative Ethics Committee.
“I followed all ethics rules and regulations,” he said.
Morhaim was the driving force behind the 2014 legalization of medical marijuana in Maryland.
He says he began talks in late 2015 with the company Doctor’s Order, which asked him to serve as their medical director if they won a license to operate a medical dispensary.
Morhaim said he has no ownership interest in the company. He told the Sun editorial board he received “a modest paycheck” at the beginning of his association with the firm, and is not currently a paid employee.
He did not list his connection with Doctor’s Orders in public disclosure forms that lawmakers are required to file. Nor did not disclose it during legislative debates, when he pushed for laws affecting the medical marijuana industry, or at meetings of the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, when he offered advice on regulating cannabis.
In August, Doctor’s Orders won approval to grow and process the drug in Dorcester County. Its applications to open a dispensary is still pending.
Morhaim’s involvement with the Doctor’s Orders was first reported by The Washington Post in July.
Del. Cheryl Glenn (D-Baltimore), who co-sponsored medical marijuana legislation with Morhaim, said she was livid that he did not tell her about his position with Doctor’s Orders, which she said she believes tainted the process.
She is considering legislation to bar lawmakers from working in the industry.
Sen. James Ed DeGrange Sr. (D-Prince George’s), co-chairman of the ethics committee, declined to comment on Morhaim on Friday. Del. Marvin E. Holmes Jr. (D), the other co-chair, did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
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Full Article: Del. Dan Morhaim Faces Legislative Inquiry Over Dual Medical Marijuana Roles
Author: Fenit Nirappil
Contact: The Washington Post
Photo Credit: Steve Ruark
Website: The Washington Post