The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission ruled on Tuesday that a politically connected marijuana grower violated state regulations by using prohibited crop-protection pesticides and ordered the company to pay a $125,000 fine, issue refunds on certain products and operate under a two-year probationary period.
The commission also determined after a five-month investigation that ForwardGro LLChad failed to ensure employees used adequate personal protective equipment when using pesticides and did not deploy video surveillance of its crop as required by state regulations. In addition, the commission imposed staff changes at the company, which is co-owned by Gary L. Mangum, a prominent supporter of Larry Hogan who served on the governor’s inaugural committee and transition team.
