From the Executive Director's Desk:

April ended the era of prohibition. May begins the work of operationalizing the industry that succeeds it.

Whether we are leveraging Small Business Month to scale, honoring the ancestral innovation of AAPI Heritage Month, or engaging the realities of Mental Health Awareness Month, the through-line is absolute: sustainable success requires intentional, equitable infrastructure.

To build a market is to build a supply chain. On May 21, the Office of Social Equity and the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council (CRMSDC) will launch ‘Open Roads,’ Maryland's first mobile cannabis business-to-business exchange. Co-hosted by Secretary Walter Simmons and CRMSDC President Sharon Pinder, this route connects Maryland’s social equity operators with CRMSDC-certified Minority Business Enterprise members. This is the supply chain made visible: cultivation, processing, and retail, activated in a single day. De-risking a supply chain is a structural strategy that builds resiliency.

But infrastructure is not merely physical. It is also cultural.

Inside this issue, we highlight Manwinder Sandhu and Treehouse Dispensary. Their success in Parkville demonstrates that an AAPI, family-owned business model is not just viable—it is the blueprint for industry integrity. They are proving that when you prioritize intentionality over volume, you build a brand that endures. 

We also welcomed four Coppin State University students to the Maryland Marketplace, four disciplines, four entry points into an industry that needs all of them. 

Finally, we view Mental Health Awareness Month through the lens of modern wellness. Cannabis is becoming a fundamental component of the consumer’s toolkit for focus, sleep, and recovery. Whether you’re an operator, a patient, or simply someone navigating modern life with this plant, if your story is shaping that conversation, we want to know. Share your story at info.ose@maryland.gov 

The infrastructure is built. Now, we demonstrate its capacity.

AUDREY JOHNSON  |  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF SOCIAL EQUITY

Showcasing Open Social Equity Businesses 

Treehouse Dispensary became operational on April 13, 2026. They are proving that small, family-owned operations aren't just surviving, they are setting the standard for how the industry integrates with local culture. 

Treehouse Dispensary’s Journey:

“We approached the licensing process with a clear vision: to create a space defined by intentionality. We weren't just looking for an entry into the market; we were driven by the belief that cannabis is a tool for healing. The market is often dominated by large-scale operators, but the Parkville community reminded us there is a vital need for a more personal approach. Our challenge wasn't just opening our doors—it was building a team that reflects our values, ensuring that every interaction is driven by genuine passion for the plant’s potential. That foundation defines how we serve: through listening, care, and guidance tailored to what each individual truly needs.”  - Manwinder Sandhu 

What Makes Treehouse Dispensary Unique: 

“We operate at the intersection of everyday life and mindful presence. We view cannabis as a tool to support reflection, not just consumption. Our space is designed for people to slow down, pause, and reconnect with themselves. Whether you’re an artist, a professional, or someone simply seeking a moment of clarity, Treehouse is here to hold that space. More than anything, we hope people feel a little more connected to themselves when they walk through our doors." - Manwinder Sandhu 

What Social Equity Means to Treehouse Dispensary: 

“As an Asian, family-owned business, our story challenges the industry’s status quo—and that intentionality is our greatest strength. Equity means looking at who has historically been excluded from opportunity and building a model that breaks those patterns. It’s not just about occupying space; it’s about how we show up and who we bring along with us.” - Manwinder Sandhu 

The Federal Shift: Schedule III

The federal move to Schedule III validates medical utility, but it is not a "blanket" legalization. For operators, the real impact is structural: 280E tax relief and a clearer runway for research.  Learn more

Operational Warning: Predatory Partnerships

Delaware regulators have rejected 19 cannabis social equity applications after discovering they were tied to a consulting firm accused of using predatory contracts to seize control of licenses. It is a necessary intervention. The industry is being targeted by firms promising capital in exchange for ownership. Integrity is an operational asset, vet your partners as strictly as you vet your compliance. Learn more

Is AI Taking Over Cannabis?

The automation vs. humanity debate is over-hyped. While AI optimizes backend logistics, it cannot replicate consumer trust. In a market where 76% of purchases are influenced by budtenders, the human element is the competitive advantage. Learn more

The New Standard: GŪD Essence 

Jasmine Johnson’s launch of GŪD Essence in Florida is a masterclass in persistence. By merging clinical-grade research with luxury hospitality, she isn't just checking a "first" (Black woman-owned); she is setting a new benchmark for operational excellence. Learn more

🌍The Global Movement

While US states continue to advance towards legalization, nations globally are undertaking significant efforts to redefine the place of cannabis in contemporary society.

• European Cannabis Insights Summit: The conversation in Berlin is shifting from speculative hype to rigorous market standardization. The focus is no longer on "emerging potential," but on the regulatory frameworks required to scale across European borders. Learn more
• Hungary’s Transition: Political transition in Hungary signals a potential opening for reform. As the country aligns with broader EU standards, watch for a pivot toward the modernization of cannabis laws, a necessary evolution for any market previously defined by strict prohibition. Learn more

• AAPI Legacy: Dr. Tod Hiro Mikuriya, the psychiatrist who was an architect of California’s Proposition 215, the state ballot initiative which made cannabis for medicinal purposes legal in California, stands as a pillar of AAPI contribution to modern medical cannabis. His work remains the baseline for patient-focused advocacy. Learn more 
• Historical Roots: Cannabis Sativa was domesticated in East Asia during the Neolithic Period. Considered one of the "five sacred grains," it was a foundational agricultural staple in ancient Chinese culture. History proves this plant’s role in civilization; we are simply re-establishing that infrastructure. Learn more
• Science Meets Tradition: Naming the first endocannabinoid Anandamide, from the Sanskrit word for "bliss", scientists bridged modern biology with thousands of years of Asian medicinal history that first identified the plant's power to create internal peace. 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.

Ready to Grow Smarter? 

Now is the time to take full advantage of the CEO Accelerator Program in partnership with Coppin State University’s Center for Strategic Entrepreneurship. This program is designed to support social equity licensees as they work to become operational and build strong, sustainable businesses. Through the program, you can access on-demand business education and personalized one-on-one coaching from highly qualified business and cannabis consultants. Register here

All Eyes on The Maryland Primaries

With the state legislative session concluded, Maryland’s focus shifts to the upcoming June primaries, where high-stakes contests for federal, state, and local offices will shape the future of the region. Engaging with these state elections is essential, as the outcomes in key county executive and congressional races will determine the leadership and policies that most directly impact your daily community life. Learn more 

Talbot County Zoning Finalized

Talbot County has finalized its zoning framework, implementing the maximum 1,000-foot buffer allowed under state law and requiring special exceptions for all cannabis operations. As local jurisdictions codify their own standards, operators must treat "local control" as a primary variable in their site selection and expansion strategy. This framework takes effect May 23. Learn more

Washington County Approves CRRF Framework Targeting Hagerstown's Most Impacted Communities

Washington County Commissioners unanimously approved a CCRF framework, funded by recreational cannabis tax revenue and restricted to ZIP code 21740, which was disproportionately affected by past cannabis enforcement. Shaped by a survey of 156 respondents, the priorities are health/wellness, youth programs, and economic opportunity. Learn more

Market Intelligence: Cannabis Revenue Growth 

Q4 2025 revenue reached $27.6M, a sustained quarter-over-quarter uptick. While the Eastern region saw a minor dip, the broader Maryland market remains in consistent expansion. The next update, expected in July, will release cannabis tax revenue data between January and March 2026. View the detailed report

Open Roads: Maryland's First Mobile Cannabis B2B Exchange | Eastern Shore | May 21, 2026

On May 21, OSE takes this work on the road. ‘Open Roads’ is a curated B2B bus tour connecting Maryland's social equity cannabis operators with CRMSDC-certified Minority Business Enterprise members along an Eastern Shore route. This is a closed, invitation-only convening. Watch this space for outcomes and recaps. 

MCBA Business of Cannabis Tour: East Coast Regional | Jersey City | June 1-2, 2026

Join the Minority Cannabis Business Association for a day of purposeful networking and collaborative learning dedicated to fostering an equitable cannabis ecosystem. Gain practical insights into fundraising, policy, and business development to help your venture thrive in the emerging East Coast market. Learn more 

🎬Recap: OSE in Action

We are on the ground visiting newly operational businesses across Maryland. Recent visits include Green Genie (cultivation), Crabtree (dispensary), and Maryland Marketplace — where four Coppin State University students joined us to see the industry not on paper, but in practice. 

Follow us on Instagram at @marylandosegov for site visit content and a full month-in-review recap.

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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. 

info.ose@maryland.gov  |  ose.maryland.gov
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