Maryland Cannabis Application & Licensing

On March 14th, 2024 the State of Maryland held its first round of new Adult-Use cannabis licensing. The next round of Adult-Use cannabis licensing is tentatively scheduled to be announced in May 2024 and will be the first round of licensing that allows non-medical, non-social equity applicants to apply. As Maryland marches into its 2nd year of adult-use legalization, the state is expected to nearly double the $332 million it did in 2023, according to Maryland’s Department of Legislative Services 2024 fiscal analysis.

Maryland Cannabis Updates

Summer’s Last Hoorah: What’s New in Cannabis Licensing as Fall Approaches

Maryland Cannabis License Information

• Population: 6.177 million (2020)
• Median Income: $108,200
• Largest Cities: Baltimore (584,548), Columbia (106,600), Germantown (90,210), Silver Spring (81,808), & Waldorf (81,077)
• Top Counties by Dispensary Count: Montgomery (18), Baltimore (16), Prince George’s (10), Baltimore City (9), Ann Arundel (9), Howard (7), & Frederick (6)
• Adult-Use Cannabis Total Sales: $331.8 million (July 2023-December 2023)
• Standard License
• Micro License
o Micro licenses are tailored for smaller business applicants, ensuring compliance with legal limitations on cannabis production and processing.
• Standard Licenses:
o Growers: to operate more than 10,000 square feet, but not more than 300,000 square feet, of indoor canopy or its equivalent, as calculated by the Administration;
o Processors: to process more than 1,000 pounds of cannabis per year, as calculated by the Administration;
o Dispensaries: to operate a store at a physical location that sells cannabis or cannabis products.
• Micro Licenses:
o Growers: to operate not more than 10,000 square feet of indoor canopy or its equivalent, as calculated by the Administration;
o Processors: to process not more than 1,000 pounds of cannabis per year, as calculated by the Administration;
o Dispensaries: Will not have a physical store-front, but will instead provide delivery services to cater to the needs of adult-use cannabis consumers.
• Other Licenses:
o Incubator Space: to operate a facility within which a micro licensee may operate in;
o On-Site Consumption: to operate a facility on the premises of which individuals can smoke outdoors, vape, or consume cannabis in.
As with the State’s initial application process, a lottery system will be employed for the 2nd round to ensure fairness and equity in the allocation of licenses. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications will be included in the lottery for license issuance. Those chosen will be graded on a pass-fail basis. Application submissions for micro licenses will be restricted to social equity applicants, emphasizing a concerted effort towards inclusivity and fairness within the industry.
• Standard Licenses:
o 25 grower licenses
o 25 processor licenses
o 120 dispensary licenses

• Micro Licenses:
o 70 grower licenses
o 70 processor licenses

• Other Licenses:
o 10 incubator space licenses
o 15 on-site consumption licenses
The lottery process itself is also a bit complicated in that it will be by region, with a certain number of licenses granted for each. This means lottery participants are only competing with others in the same region, but that the odds of a win will differ based on geographical location. While you won’t be required to have a facility when you apply, the region you win in will be the only region where you can operate your license.
In a departure from previous plans, Delaware will now implement a lottery-based system for the cannabis application process, allowing applicants to become eligible through this method.
• November 13, 2023
o Round 1 license application period begins
• March 14, 2024
o First round lottery was held, awarding licenses to 179 applicants
• May 2024
o Round 2 application period details to be announced
• Summer/Fall 2024
o The Round 2 application period is expected to open, during which 335 new cannabis licenses will be available for applicants
To be eligible for entry into the licensing lottery, individuals must provide the following requirements:
• Business Plan which includes a pro forma financial statements and an annual budget
• Safety and Security Plan
• Operational Plans
• Community Impact
• Diversity Plan
• Environmental and Sustainability Plan

Maryland Cannabis Application & License Services

As the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) prepares to announce the official start of the Round 2 application period for cannabis licenses, it's essential for individuals to remain informed about state notifications, regulatory changes, and any supplementary application criteria to guarantee they seize the chance to submit a thorough and qualifying application without delay.

Global Go specializes in cannabis licensing and applications (99% win-rate in hundreds of applications), compliance automation, advanced analytics, SOPs, mergers and acquisitions, new product launches, technology, security, and best practices. Enhance your prospects for success by reaching out to a Global Go Cannabis Application Director (including team members based in the Mid-Atlantic Region) and accessing invaluable Maryland insights today.