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The Maryland Office of Social Equity (OSE) announced Technical Assistance Grants of $14,000 to be awarded to eligible businesses in the cannabis industry in the state. The grants will target areas such as educational programming, financial management, legal support, real estate services, and regulatory compliance.
“These Technical Assistance Grants and our new online community platform represent our commitment to building a diverse, equitable, and compliant cannabis industry in Maryland,” said Maryland Office of Social Equity Executive Director Audrey Johnson. “By providing targeted financial assistance, emphasizing responsible fund management, and creating a space for collaboration, we’re not just supporting businesses – we’re fostering an ecosystem of accountability, equal opportunity, and shared success.”
The OSE said in a statement that the grant agreement includes robust oversight mechanisms to ensure proper use of public funds, including specific use restrictions, detailed reporting requirements, and provisions for audits. The grants also have an accountability feature as recipients must complete all grant objectives within 12 months and submit comprehensive final reports, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility.
The program also emphasizes non-discrimination policies and strict adherence to applicable laws.
Launch of Online Community Platform:
In addition to announcing the grants, the OSE created a new private Slack community exclusively for social equity cannabis licensees selected in the lotteries held earlier this year, facilitating connection, collaboration, and information sharing.
Maryland Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson said, “These grants and the online community platform created to foster collaboration and sharing best practices will ensure Maryland continues to lead the way in creating positive change throughout the industry.”
The Slack community will feature dedicated channels for various topics, including regulatory updates, best practices, and networking opportunities.