The December Bud Bulletin: Closing the Year With Clarity and Momentum

Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility sent this bulletin at 12/09/2025 02:00 PM EST

From the Executive Director's Desk:

As we close out the year, I want to extend my gratitude to this community and to every partner who has helped advance Maryland’s vision for an equitable cannabis industry. November gave us much to celebrate, including our participation in National Small Business Saturday. It allowed us to spotlight Maryland’s newest operational cannabis businesses and remind residents across the state that these small businesses are here, they are open, and they deserve community support.

Our Small Business Saturday campaign reached more than 4,500 Marylanders, and the strong engagement across our platforms made one thing clear: people are paying attention to this growing industry, and they care about the entrepreneurs working hard to build lasting businesses in their communities.

We also welcomed The Edge Dispensary to Maryland’s growing list of operational businesses. Every new door that opens represents jobs, reinvestment, and momentum, signaling that our ecosystem continues to strengthen in real, tangible ways.

This month, we are focused on equipping our community and our local partners with something essential to the success of this work: clarity. Later this month, we will publish regulations for the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund. These regulations will establish a clear framework for how jurisdictions administer their allocations, set expectations for transparency, and ensure that reinvestment decisions are grounded in equity and community need.

We are also preparing a companion Community Engagement Toolkit to help Marylanders understand what to ask, what to expect, and how to stay informed as jurisdictions make funding decisions. Together, these tools are designed to promote accountability and ensure that reinvestment is rooted in meaningful, community-led impact.

As this edition reaches you, Deputy Director Courtney Davis and I will be in Atlanta at the Cannabis Regulators Association (CANNRA) annual member meeting, learning, sharing, and preparing for what the next year requires of Maryland. We look forward to bringing back insights that will inform our policy recommendations, strengthen our programs, and position our licensees and communities for success in 2026.

Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and belief in this mission. As we enter the holiday season, I hope you enjoy time with family and friends and find space for rest and reflection. We end this year knowing that together, we are building something meaningful and lasting.

Happy Holidays,

AUDREY JOHNSON | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF SOCIAL EQUITY

More Time, More Opportunity: Maryland Moves to Extend Social Equity Licensee Deadlines

Maryland regulators have proposed extending the operational timeline for conditional cannabis license holders from 18 to 24 months, aiming to help social equity licensees navigate construction, financing, and zoning challenges.

The proposed regulations also include:

Stricter contamination protocols for processors
The introduction of a new approval process for hemp acquisition
Expanded dispensary services, including drive-through options
A reduction of fees for agents and laboratories
Co-location capacity will increase from two to three licensees per facility
Mandated annual staff training
The establishment of a pilot program to test regulatory innovations

The Maryland Cannabis Administration is accepting public comments on the proposed regulations through December 14. Learn more.

Minnesota Prepares to Launch First Municipal Cannabis Dispensary in 2026

Minnesota is preparing to open the nation’s second city-owned cannabis dispensary in 2026. The City of Osseo will operate the business as a public enterprise, with revenue directed toward community priorities and local economic development. This model reflects a growing national interest in alternative ownership structures that center on public benefit and broaden participation in the cannabis industry. Learn more.

Maryland Dispensary Workers Affirm Union Representation

TerrAscend dispensary employees in Maryland reaffirmed their union representation following questions about the status of their collective bargaining coverage. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) confirmed that workers remain represented and continue to participate in workplace negotiations. This update underscores ongoing labor conversations within the cannabis workforce and the role of unions in shaping job quality and worker protections in emerging markets. Learn more.

Virginia Releases Legislative Blueprint for Retail Cannabis Market

Virginia’s Joint Commission on cannabis issued a legislative proposal that outlines the state’s transition into a retail cannabis market. This document outlines proposed changes from the 2025 legislative session. Learn more.

Howard County Firefighters Seek Medical Cannabis Access

Howard County firefighters advocated at an October 28 County Council meeting for a policy change permitting off-duty medical cannabis use to manage work-related chronic pain, PTSD, sleep disorders, and cancer risks. Union representatives argued that the current zero-tolerance rules – and proposed testing thresholds – make compliance unrealistic. While a work group suggested a 12-hour no-use window, experts noted impairment is difficult to measure, and medical cannabis should be treated like other prescription medications. Several council members expressed support, and the union plans to partner with Annapolis legislators to introduce a bill next session. Read more.

US Hemp Industry Braces for Federal Product Ban

The US hemp industry is preparing for a sweeping ban included in the recent government spending bill, introduced by Senator Mitch McConnell. Adopted without hearings, the measure prohibits any hemp product containing more than 0.4 milligrams of THC per package beginning 12 months after enactment, an extremely low threshold that would impact most CBD products. Industry leaders say the effects remain uncertain, with some anticipating partial state-level autonomy and others warning of a near-total ban that could shutter businesses and halt interstate commerce. Learn more.

Small Business Saturday Spotlight: Maryland's Cannabis Equity Entrepreneurs

This Small Business Saturday, we celebrated the social equity licensees building Maryland's cannabis industry. From dispensaries to processing and cultivation facilities, these businesses represent what cannabis equity looks like in action—community investment, job creation, and real pathways to ownership in a rapidly growing industry.

See the full campaign on our social media channels and support Maryland's social equity cannabis businesses year-round.

Cannabis use during the holidays is often intentional, with consumers citing specific goals like improving mood, reducing stress, managing pain, or helping them stay present with family. Learn more.
During the colder fall and winter months, Maryland consumers show a clear preference for gummies, reflecting a general favorability toward non-smokable cannabis products. Learn more.
As stigma continues to decline, people report increasing comfort levels discussing cannabis at family gatherings. as the stigma continues to decline. Learn more.

OSE’s exclusive programming helps licensees navigate, build capacity, and thrive in Maryland’s evolving cannabis industry. Licensees, check your email and the Equity Exchange Slack for registration links, updates, session details, and replays.

Trailblazers Series: Wanda James | December 17, 1:00 pm EST

This month’s Trailblazer, and the leader closing out our year, is Wanda James, Co-Founder and CEO of Simply Pure and one of the most influential voices in cannabis reform, equity, and entrepreneurship. She first made history as one of the nation’s earliest Black dispensary owners. In 2022, she broke barriers again in public service when she became the first cannabis business owner elected to office in Colorado, winning a seat on the University of Colorado Board of Regents (District 1), where she helps oversee a $6 billion budget across the university’s four campuses.

Social Equity Licensee Industry Group

Maryland’s Social Equity (SE) cannabis licensees are in the process of forming an independent industry association to help elevate their collective voice on policy, capital access, and ecosystem needs. While the association is still formalizing, licensees have begun initial meetings to organize and share priorities.

If you are a social equity licensee interested in participating, please complete the form here.

Social Equity Partnership Program (SEPP) Update

The launch of the Social Equity Partnership Program (SEPP) has been temporarily delayed to strengthen program guidelines and maximize stakeholder participation. The Office of Social Equity remains committed to working closely with both current operators and social equity licensees to ensure the program delivers meaningful value and broad participation across the Maryland market.

CEO Accelerator – NuProject Technical Assistance Wrap-Up

November marked the final group technical assistance session with NuProject, featuring special guest Tracee Evans of BDS Analytics, who shared insights on Maryland’s market sales data and emerging consumer trends. OSE extends sincere thanks to Jeanette Ward, Brandi Hester-Harrell, and Faith Anderson for their commitment to supporting the growth of Maryland’s social equity cannabis businesses.

The next phase of the CEO Accelerator with Coppin State University is live, and social equity licensees should enroll to take advantage of exclusive training and individualized support for building and growing their businesses.

Showcasing Open Social Equity Businesses.

Koan Cannabis is a dispensary located in Hagerstown, Maryland, owned by Adam Emral Shaool. Since opening in October of 2025, Koan's mission has been to create a welcoming, uplifting, and knowledgeable cannabis experience for every guest. They combine premium products, exceptional service, and a commitment to community wellness — always delivered with integrity, compliance, and care.

Koan's Journey:

“We really want to make the experience different through service and education. I knew nothing about cannabis, so learning about it was really the toughest part.” Adram Emral Shaool

What Social Equity Means to Koan:

“It means it's my responsibility to give back to my community in any way I can.” Adram Emral Shaool

What Makes Koan Unique:

“The overall vibe is important. That everyone feels welcome and connected.” Adram Emral Shaool

Koan’s Milestones:

Koan praises their amazing staff for being the key to the success of their newly opened business.

Learn more at koandispensary.com

Our work is an extension of advocacy, resilience and determination... committed to helping Maryland communities learn, grow, build and heal

The Office of Social Equity, established under the Cannabis Reform Act of 2023, promotes economic opportunity and equity within Maryland's adult-use cannabis market.