Are you interested in starting a cannabis business in Maryland? The cannabis consultants at New Leaf can help you navigate the process!
This summary of Maryland requirements and license application process outlines what it takes to win a marijuana business license. Get started today to meet the demands of consumers! Schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable cannabis consultants in Maryland.
Maryland Cannabis Consulting & License Application Writing Experts
New Leaf Cannabis Consulting is the #1 Top Rated Cannabis Application Writing, Consulting, and Capital Fundraising one-stop-shop in the U.S. We offer a complete range of services from business model formation and planning, to state licensure, to raising capital and finding investors for the business.
New Leaf has worked with over 180 clients in over 16 different states since we opened our doors in 2015. Our success rate is well over 95% across the board. We offer more services than any of our competition.
If you need cash for your cannabis startup, and/or state and municipal license approval for a completely reasonable price, look no further than New Leaf Cannabis Consulting.
Cannabis Market Condition Overview
Business Climate and Timeline
Adult-Use:
In November 2022, Maryland voted via ballot referendum to legalize the adult use of cannabis in the state for adults 21 and over. Much of the new law will not take effect until July 1, 2023.
The new law does will not directly impact Maryland’s medical cannabis program. Patients may continue to obtain medical cannabis from licensed dispensaries. Individuals 18 years or older may register to participate in the program.
During the 2023 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly will determine a regulatory framework for the adult use market. The earliest adult-use cannabis will be legally sold in Maryland is July 1, 2023.
It will be legal for adults 21 and older to possess and use cannabis beginning on July 1, 2023. During the 2023 legislative session — January 11 through April 10 — the Maryland General Assembly will consider a regulatory framework for the adult-use cannabis market. The General Assembly will also establish the date on which legal adult-use cannabis sales may begin. The MMCC (Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission) will provide more information as it becomes available.
Medical Use:
Medical marijuana is legal in MD, operating through the Natalie M. LaPrade Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC). The MMCC is the regulatory agency that covers all policies, procedures, and regulations for medical cannabis in Maryland. Possession of 10 grams or less has been decriminalized. Metrc is Maryland’s track and trace system.
Real Estate & Zoning
In most states, you will need to lock down the location for business operations in the form of either a lease, lease with option to purchase, or a purchase agreement.
Most importantly, during the real estate acquisition process, your company MUST make sure that the actual location COMPLETELY adheres to state and municipal regulations regarding distance restrictions from other businesses such as a daycare or school. An example of this would be Dispensary/Retail. Most times you will not be able to locate your dispensary in a section of the city which is not zoned specifically for retail. Your dispensary location cannot be located anywhere else. Check with the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) website for locality resolutions and ordinances.
Usually the next step is Municipal/City/Township Approval. Nine times out of ten, these steps will need to take place before the full license application can be completed and submitted.
Laws and Regulations
Starting July 1, 2023, adults 21 or older may possess and consume up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis flower, 12 grams of concentrated cannabis, or a total “personal use amount” of cannabis products that does not exceed 750 mg THC.
What else does the new law do?
- In addition to making the adult use of cannabis legal, the new law establishes a process for expunging all cases in which possession of less than 10 grams of cannabis is the only charge, along with additional expungement provisions.
- Increases the amount of cannabis a person may possess that is subject to a civil fine rather than criminal penalty from 10 grams to 2.5 ounces (effective January 1, 2023)
- Requires data collection and studies on cannabis use, impaired driving , and other health and safety issues
- Establishes a new Cannabis Public Health Advisory Council, which must study and make recommendations regarding cannabis regulation to the General Assembly
Creates three new funds: (1) a public health fund to address health effects related to legalizing adult cannabis use (2) a business assistance fund to increase participation in the cannabis industry by small, minority and women-owned businesses (3) a community reinvestment and repair fund, which provides monies to communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition and enforcement.