Welcome and background
Thank you for participating in this survey. Upon completion of the survey, you will see a link to access a different survey form that will enter you into a raffle for one of ten $100 gift cards. Your contact information in the second survey will not be tied to your responses to this survey in any way.
Background
Drug laws, including laws about cannabis, have been unevenly enforced by race and geography in Maryland. Black Marylanders in particular have been incarcerated at higher rates for cannabis-related crimes. This disparity has contributed to inequities in economic, public health, and social conditions.
Cannabis became legal in Maryland in 2023 and a special fund was set up with tax money from adult-use (also known as recreational) cannabis sales. These funds will be invested in communities that were affected by drug laws. The law requires that these funds support community programs that help low-income individuals and families in specific zip codes (21044 and 21045). The fund should also support individuals and families that have been directly impacted by enforcement of cannabis laws prior to legalization.
This survey
This survey asks for your opinions about how these funds should be used. We want to hear from anyone who lives, lived, or works in Howard County. We also especially want to hear from people who have been directly affected by past drug laws. Because of this, we ask a few sensitive questions about your personal experiences with the criminal legal system (for example, experiences of incarceration). You can skip any question by selecting the “Prefer not to answer” option if you are not comfortable responding.
This survey asks for your opinions about how these funds should be used. We want to hear from anyone who lives, lived, or works in Howard County. We also especially want to hear from people who have been directly affected by past drug laws. Because of this, we ask a few sensitive questions about your personal experiences with the criminal legal system (for example, experiences of incarceration). You can skip any question by selecting the “Prefer not to answer” option if you are not comfortable responding.
We also ask questions about gender, race and ethnicity, age, and other background information. This helps make sure the survey results reflect the diversity of Howard County’s population. You can respond "Prefer not to answer" to any of these questions as well.
Confidential and voluntary participation
Your responses are completely confidential. We will not ask for your name or contact information in this survey. Taking part in this survey is completely voluntary.
Your responses are completely confidential. We will not ask for your name or contact information in this survey. Taking part in this survey is completely voluntary.