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 Volume 1 | Summer 2024
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The information contained in this newsletter is intended for Maryland Cannabis Business Agents aged 21+ and is not intended for publication or redistribution. This newsletter is provided by the Maryland Cannabis Administration for the purposes of general updates and as a supplemental educational resource. It is not intended to replace or constitute legal or business advice, consultation or service. You should consult an attorney for advice. For compliance concerns, contact your investigator or mca.compliance@maryland.gov. |
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The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) has developed this publication for Maryland’s licensed cannabis industry. This electronic newsletter will be sent quarterly to share information related to industry updates, bulletins, MCA campaigns, important dates and milestones, and resources to enhance patient, consumer, and worker safety.
This first issue contains information on approved Responsible Vendor Training providers, an annual training required for all registered agents; a hub for industry sales and other data at-a-glance; free licensee worker safety and health consultation services; legislative, policy, and regulatory updates; lab testing requirements; reporting deadlines, and more! MCA has also added a BeCannabisSmart tab to our website to support public health, education, and safety.
Keep an eye out for BeCannabisSmart media over the coming months on public health and safety topics including sober driving, storing cannabis in the home away from children, and smoke-free public spaces. Have a great summer and … Be informed. Be responsible. BeCannabisSmart.
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The Responsible Vendor Training (RVT) program is live with several MCA-approved RVT courses. All cannabis business agents in Maryland are required to complete an MCA-approved RVT by January 1, 2025, and annually thereafter. |
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MCA recently developed a public Data Dashboard with program and industry metrics including aggregate sales, volume, and licensing data. The dashboard is updated monthly. |
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Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH), the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA), and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) are collaborating to provide information on best practices for cannabis businesses, especially related to respiratory workplace safety for licensed growers and processors. Did you know? MOSH provides consultation services at no cost to employers. Business owners can request free on-site MOSH consultation using this Free On-Site Consultation Request for Assistance Form. |
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Three bills passed during the 2024 legislative session that have implications for the cannabis industry in Maryland. First, HB253, which took effect upon the Governor’s signature on April 25th, 2024, provides technical corrections to last year's Cannabis Reform Act. Two additional bills signed by Governor Moore on April 25th take effect on June 1, 2024 – HB272, which clarifies certain ownership provisions, and HB805, which clarifies the restrictions that local governments can impose on the location of cannabis businesses in the State. |
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The MCA’s draft permanent regulations were printed in the Maryland Register on May 3, 2024, and can be found on the MCA’s Laws & Regulations page. |
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Industry Guidance Documents, by license type and specific issues, pertaining to new regulations and statutory provisions, can also be found on MCA’s Laws & Regulations page. |
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A consolidated Incident Report Form is now available to notify MCA about adverse events (any unwanted medical reaction or health related problem after using a cannabis product) or concerns about a cannabis business or product, including unlicensed retailers, incidents at a cannabis business, product packaging, and safety concerns. |
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A new product category, “Bulk Infused Edible” went into effect on April 23, 2024 (Metrc bulletin# MD IB 0083). This new category may be used by processors to test products in intermediate stages prior to final packaging. |
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Patient ID Update
In the coming months, identification cards will become optional for medical cannabis patients and caregivers to obtain. To purchase cannabis at a dispensary, patients are only required to present their government-issued ID and patient ID number.
Patients and caregivers who wish to receive a medical cannabis patient card may still do so. Those who opt for an MCA patient or caregiver ID card are required to pay the $25 fee at registration (exceptions apply). Otherwise, there is no cost to register as a qualifying patient or registered caregiver.
For Dispensaries: At the point of sale, a patient will need to present their government-issued identification card and either their patient ID card or patient ID number. Before distributing cannabis, a dispensary agent must query Salesforce using their unique log-in to verify: (1) That the qualifying patient or caregiver is currently registered; (2) That the qualifying patient has a valid written certification; and (3) The amount of medical cannabis that has already been dispensed pursuant to the written certification.
Please keep an eye out for additional information this summer.
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INDUSTRY REPORTS
Be Prepared!
The following industry reports are due this summer. Visit MCA’s Reporting Requirements page for more information.
• Due July 1, 2024: Organization, Ownership, and Control Disclosure
• Due August 1, 2024: Annual Minority Report
REMINDERS
Be Aware!
• Please ensure timely entry and accurate data is recorded in METRC that identifies and tracks the licensee’s stock of cannabis. All products must be accounted for by their unique tracking numbers at the time of delivery and at the point-of-sale. When ringing up more than one of the same product, be sure to scan each individual package's barcode.
• Dispensaries must comply with Maryland’s Public Accommodations Law and should actively seek out accommodation opportunities such as easy to read signage, accessible parking spaces and entrances with an automatic door button, ramps, and wide doorways and halls.
• MCA’s “Guide to Adult-Use Cannabis in Maryland” poster must be conspicuously placed in all dispensaries. A digital version is available, formatted for TV displays. For a hard copy replacement, email publichealth.mca@maryland.gov. Visit the BeCannabisSmart webpage for additional resources.
• Compliance testing is required for all final retail products. All compliance testing requirements can be found in the MCA Cannabis Testing Technical Authority. To remain compliant with testing, review your testing workflow for products to ensure final retail product testing is occurring and make any updates by August 5, 2024 if necessary (Bulletin 5/10/2024: Final Product Testing).
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This distribution list has been developed from email addresses provided with cannabis agent registration. If you are aware of colleagues who are not receiving this newsletter, please ensure they have provided a valid email address in their OneStop account. If you have feedback on this newsletter you would like to share with MCA or have topics you would like to see in future editions, please email publichealth.mca@maryland.gov
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