|
The information contained in this newsletter is intended for Maryland Cannabis Business Agents aged 21+. 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. |
|
 All Maryland public spaces are smoke-free, including beaches, boardwalks, music venues, and recreation areas. Please keep Maryland vibrant and enjoyable for all this summer!
This edition of the BeCannabisSmart newsletter marks one year of providing timely updates to over 6,500 badged agents in Maryland’s licensed cannabis industry! Since the last newsletter, we have seen our first social equity conditional licensee open their doors! We are also excited to report that later this summer MCA is launching a new campaign, “Cannabis Trusted Source” to help the public identify Maryland licensed dispensaries, so they know they are purchasing tested, regulated cannabis products that all of you work so hard to grow, process, and provide to patients and adult consumers. Thanks to those who answered the call in our last newsletter to volunteer–you helped MCA shape the face of this campaign!
Additional MCA updates in this edition include a recap of the 2025 legislative session and regulatory changes, key dates for upcoming reporting requirements, and more. Be sure to read on and Be Informed. Be Responsible. BeCannabisSmart.
|
|
Cannabis Trusted Source
MCA's NEW Cannabis Trusted Source campaign will educate consumers 21+ -- especially those who may purchase from unregulated sources, or who don’t understand the difference -- on how to identify Maryland licensed dispensaries and why buying regulated products matters. This campaign will also help establish new social equity dispensaries as state-licensed and regulated.
 |
|
MCA will provide all existing and new dispensaries with an official “Cannabis Trusted Source” sign (pictured above) with guidance on placement. This will replace the existing 21+ MCA clings. |
 |
|
The sign features a QR code that will take the viewer to a NEW searchable tool on MCA’s website to find and verify licensed dispensaries. |
|
|
MCA will provide updated dispensary wall posters and consumer pocket guides on the laws and responsible cannabis use. |
|
|
Keep an eye out for these new and refreshed materials later this summer! |
|
|
 |
|
During the 2025 legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly made certain changes to cannabis laws, most notably through the passage of Senate Bill 215 — Cannabis Reform - Revisions.
- Extends the expiration date for the delivery of medical cannabis by standard dispensary operators by one calendar year from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2026 to ensure patients continue to receive medical cannabis while micro dispensaries are working toward becoming operational.
- Removes MCA issuing on-site consumption licenses in the second round of cannabis business licensing, effectively delaying the issuing of on-site licenses until round three of licensure at the earliest. Given the timeline of the first licensing round and other statutory requirements of the second round (that has not yet occurred), MCA believes round three would not be able to begin before 2028.
- Clarifies that a political subdivision that has not adopted an ordinance related to adult-use cannabis dispensaries by July 1, 2025 is subject to zoning standards enumerated in Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis §26-401(b).
- Permits licensees to sell ownership of their business to their employees as part of a federally designated employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
|
 |
|
MCA recently adopted several regulatory changes related to topics including but not limited to dispensary operations, grower and processor co-location, novel product considerations, and receivership. For complete summaries of these changes and licensee-specific guidance, please visit the MCA’s Laws & Regulations page. |
 |
|
MCA has extended the previous due date for Responsible Vendor Training (RVT) for registered agents of licensed growers and processors. Look out for additional information and a revised due date for completion. Please note: Employees that have already completed an existing MCA-approved RVT have met this requirement. |
 |
|
Congratulations to Kent Reserve, the first conditional licensee to become operational, opening its doors on April 7, 2025! |
|
|
 Reminders
- The following industry reports are due this summer. Visit MCA’s Reporting Requirements page for more information.
- Due July 1, 2025: Organization, Ownership, and Control Disclosure
- Due August 1, 2025: Annual Minority Report
- Pursuant to COMAR 14.17.12.04, a dispensary agent may not knowingly dispense to an adult-use consumer an amount of cannabis or cannabis products greater than the personal use amount under Criminal Law Article, §5-101, Annotated Code of Maryland, in a single day.
- MCA requires a minimum retention sample for processed products. Please refer to Table 2 and Table 3 on page 4 of the Technical Authority for Cannabis Testing for specific requirements.
- Starting July 1, 2025, changes in the Technical Authority for Cannabis Testing will be enforced. Please make sure that all SOPs have been updated to reflect the quality control requirements found in Appendix I.
Have a suggestion or topic for the newsletter?
Send it to publichealth.mca@maryland.gov
Archived Newsletters
Click here!
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
