Dear License Holders and Stakeholders,
The Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC) has issued a new fact sheet to help businesses comply with Maryland’s updated laws regarding Unathorized Consumable Products including illcit kratom, phenibut, or tianeptine.
Effective July 1, 2026, Maryland law strictly prohibits retailers from selling, distributing, displaying, or advertising Unauthorized Consumable Products. This includes all tianeptine and phenibut products, as well as any non-compliant kratom products.
Who This Affects
This advisory applies to all manufacturers, wholesalers, and retail businesses operating in Maryland, including: convenience stores, gas stations, liquor stores, smoke and vape shops, restaurants and bars, and other similarly situated businesses.
Displaying It Means Selling It
Under Maryland law, simply having an illicit kratom, tianeptine, and phenibut product on your store shelves, behind the counter, or in a display case is legal proof that you are offering it for sale. Furthermore, the ban on "advertising" broadly includes product packaging, labeling, in-store signs, online posts, electronic messages, and all other marketing communications.
What You Need To Do
- Please review the attached fact sheet below for more information.
- Audit your inventory to ensure no unauthorized consumable products are stored, displayed, or offered for sale on your premises.
Questions?
Contact the ATCC at 443-300-6990 or atcc.info@maryland.gov.
Thank you,
The Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission
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