- The American hemp industry was built on the agricultural expertise of enslaved West Africans, who were the main laborers in Virginia and Kentucky hemp fields during the 18th and 19th centuries. Learn more
- Long before cannabis became mainstream, iconic musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Cab Calloway not only used the plant but also celebrated it in their music. Classic tracks like Armstrong's "Muggles" and Calloway's "Reefer Man" are prime examples. 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: Precious Osagie-Erese | February 18, 1:00 pm EST
Continue the 2026 Trailblazers Series with Precious Osagie-Erese, Founder and CEO of PRECIOUS Canna Co., New Jersey’s first Black woman-owned pre-roll brand. A Howard and Columbia alumna, she has scaled her brand to 75+ dispensaries, surpassing $500k in debut sales. Beyond the shelf, she is a leading educator and Senior Policy Advisor for the National Cannabis Roundtable, where she champions federal reform and equitable industry access.
 Our social equity licensees are moving from the planning phase to real-life execution. Through our CEO Accelerator partnership with Coppin State University, entrepreneurs are gaining access to the high-level tools and strategic mentorship needed to thrive in the market.
We are proud to introduce three new experts to our technical assistance network who bring deep supply chain knowledge and capacity-building expertise to our licensees:
Justino Rodriguez: An educator and cannabis business advisor who helps entrepreneurs turn licenses into compliant, operational businesses through his firm, Friends of the Plant.
Nicole Vanderhorst: Founder and CEO of WH Farms Co., a vertically integrated biotechnology company, with over 20 years of leadership in regulated market development.
Kieta Iriarte: A capacity-building coach and founder of Mpolo Business Solutions with 18+ years of experience managing over $300 million in funding for sustainable organizations.
  New Cannabis Policy for Howard County Firefighters
After years of advocacy, Howard County firefighters now have a wellness policy that reflects modern medicine. A historic update, the first since 1991, officially recognizes medical cannabis as a valid health tool for off-duty personnel.
This change is about more than rules; it’s about honoring the mental and physical well-being of our first responders. By implementing 12-hour abstinence windows and clearer testing standards, the County is ensuring our heroes can access the care they need while staying mission-ready. Learn More
Question: A 30-year-old policy just caught up to the present. What’s your take on modernizing health options for our first responders? Share Your Thoughts
Support Union Cannabis in Maryland
Support Maryland's growing cannabis workforce by shopping at local dispensaries represented by UFCW Local 400. Choosing unionized locations helps strengthen worker protections and contributes to a fairer and sustainable cannabis industry across the state. Find unionized dispensaries near you here.
⚖️ Capitol Sesh: Annapolis Policy Updates
Capitol Sesh tracks key bills moving through the Maryland General Assembly that could impact community funding, programs, and resources statewide. Below is an overview of bills currently being monitored during the 2026 legislative session, with hearing dates as of February 10.
HB 0108 / SB 0061 – Division of Correction – Release Preparation Program
Status: SB hearing held Jan 28; HB first reading in House.
Why This Matters: Effective reentry programs reduce recidivism by connecting returning citizens to employment and economic stability.
HB 0114 / SB 0110 – Mateo’s Law (Required Testing for Impaired Driving)
Status: SB hearing Jan 20; HB hearing Jan 28.
Why This Matters: This bill balances roadway safety with civil rights by promoting fair, consistent enforcement across all communities.
HB 0133 – Income Tax and Sales and Use Tax – Rate Reductions
Status: House hearing held Feb 5.
Why This Matters: High tax burdens often hit low- and middle-income families hardest. OSE supports fiscal policies. Lower tax burdens help working families retain income and support long-term wealth building.
HB 0151 – Sales and Use Tax – Cannabis Revenue for Veterans Trust Fund
Status: House hearing held Jan 29.
Why This Matters: While supporting critical services for veterans, this bill would reduce cannabis tax allocations that fund the Maryland Cannabis Administration and OSE's administration and operations.
HB 0307 / SB 0217 – Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF) – Alterations
Status: SB hearing Feb 5; HB in Economic Matters.
Why This Matters: These changes improve how CRRF dollars reach disproportionately impacted communities and grassroots service providers.
SB 0594 & SB 0439 – Cannabis Advertising and Employment Protections
Status: Under committee consideration.
Why This Matters: These measures aim to reduce uncertainty around cannabis advertising while safeguarding workers, including first responders, from discrimination tied to lawful medical cannabis use.
HB 0544 – Cannabis Use in Motor Vehicles with Minors – Prohibition
Status: Senate hearing scheduled for February 11.
Why This Matters: While intended to address child safety, this bill raises questions about enforcement practices and the risk of disproportionate impact on certain communities.
|
