Maryland
In 2014, Maryland voters approved a medical marijuana referendum. This law allowed for the establishment of a medical marijuana program in the state. In 2018, the Maryland General Assembly passed the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission Act. This law created the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, which is responsible for regulating the medical marijuana program.
In 2022, Maryland voters approved Question 4, which legalized recreational marijuana for adults 21 and older. This law took effect on July 1, 2023.
Current Legislation
Recreational marijuana became legal in Maryland on July 1, 2023, when Gov. Larry Hogan signed a bill into law. The law allows adults 21 and older to possess up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to two plants per household. It also creates a state-regulated market for the sale of marijuana products.
Medical marijuana has been legal in Maryland since 2014. Patients with qualifying conditions can obtain a medical marijuana card from the state and purchase marijuana products from licensed dispensaries.
Hemp is legal in Maryland and can be grown, processed, and sold without a license. However, hemp products must contain no more than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana.
The cannabis industry in Maryland is still in its early stages, but it is expected to grow rapidly in the coming years. The state is estimated to generate $1 billion in tax revenue from cannabis sales by 2025.
Here are some of the key provisions of the cannabis legislation in Maryland:
Possession: Adults 21 and older are allowed to possess up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to two plants per household.
Sale: The sale of marijuana is regulated by the state. There are three types of licenses available: cultivation licenses, manufacturing licenses, and retail licenses.
Taxation: Marijuana sales are subject to a 17% excise tax. The tax revenue will be used to fund a variety of programs, including public safety, education, and health care.
Expungement: The law also mandates the expungement of all misdemeanor marijuana offenses. Felony offenses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
The cannabis legislation in Maryland is a significant step forward for the state. It will create jobs, generate tax revenue, and reduce the burden on the criminal justice system. The law is also expected to improve public health by providing safe and regulated access to marijuana.
Here are some additional things to know about cannabis legislation in Maryland:
The Maryland Cannabis Commission (MCC) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the cannabis legislation.
The MCC has issued a number of regulations governing the cultivation, manufacturing, and sale of marijuana.
The MCC has also established a number of social equity programs designed to help minority and disadvantaged communities participate in the cannabis industry.
To be eligible for a cannabis license in Maryland, you must meet the following requirements:
Be at least 21 years old
Be a resident of Maryland
Have a clean criminal record
Have a business plan that outlines your goals, strategies, and financial projections
Have the necessary capital to start and operate your business
Have a location for your business that is zoned for cannabis activity
Have a team of experienced professionals to help you run your business
Application
The application process for a cannabis license in Maryland is competitive. The Maryland Cannabis Commission (MCC) will review all applications and select the applicants who are best qualified to operate a safe and responsible cannabis business. The application process includes the following steps:
Create an account on the MCC's website.
Complete the application form.
Pay the application fee.
Submit your business plan.
Submit your team's resumes.
Submit a security plan.
Submit a financial plan.
Submit a diversity plan.
Submit an environmental plan.
Fees
The application fee for a cannabis license in Maryland is $5,000 for a standard license; or $1,000 for a micro license. The annual license fee is $10,000 for a standard license; or $5,000 for a micro license.
Timeline
The application process for a cannabis license in Maryland can take several months. The MCC will notify you of the status of your application within 90 days of submitting your application.
Appeals
If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process will be conducted by an independent hearing officer.
Renewal
Cannabis licenses in Maryland are valid for one year. To renew your license, you must submit an application and pay the renewal fee.
The application process for a cannabis license in Maryland is complex and time-consuming. However, it is possible to be successful if you have the right team in place and you are prepared to follow the rules.
Here are some additional tips for applying for a cannabis license in Maryland:
Get help from a cannabis business consultant. A cannabis business consultant can help you understand the application process and the requirements. They can also help you prepare your application and answer any questions you may have.
Be organized and thorough. The application process is very detailed, so it is important to be organized and thorough in your preparation.
Be prepared to answer questions. The MCC will likely have questions about your business plan, your team, and your location. Be prepared to answer these questions in a clear and concise way.
Be patient. The application process can take several months, so it is important to be patient and persistent.
If you are considering starting a cannabis business in Maryland, it is important to understand the application process and the requirements. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success.
Get help from a cannabis business consultant like Dispensary Accelerator. A cannabis business consultant can help you understand the application process and the requirements. They can also help you prepare your application and answer any questions you may have.
We have a successful track record of providing consulting services ranging from simple business plans, to full-scale dispensary build-outs and training programs.
Wherever there is a challenge, our team has met it.
Reduced Risk
We help prospective teams reduce the risk of failure and costs through the knowledge and experience from our dispensary team.
Fast To The Finish Line
Cannabis industry entrepreneurs typically get lost on the path to building a business plan, due to the complexities of regulation, and highly expensive start-up costs. Our team ensures you get to the finish line efficiently.
