Maryland
CANNABIS DISPENSARY REGULATIONS FOR MARYLAND
The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) oversees the state’s medical cannabis program. Its main responsibilities include issuing patient licenses, maintaining a database of authorized medical cannabis dispensaries, and supervising the issuance and renewal of commercial cannabis licenses to dispensaries, cultivators, and labs.
To operate a dispensary in Maryland, applicants must go through a multi-stage licensing process. The initial step involves submitting an application for a dispensary license. Once the application is approved, the applicant proceeds to the second stage, which requires a non-refundable fee of $4,000. If the business is ultimately approved to operate in Maryland, it will be responsible for a licensing fee of $80,000, payable every two years upon renewal of the license. The MMCC is committed to ensuring a transparent and efficient licensing process, supporting the growth of a safe and accessible medical cannabis market in Maryland.
Additionally, the Commission emphasizes compliance with state regulations and offers resources to help businesses navigate the complexities of the cannabis industry.
Contact PayRio today for more information on our payment processing solutions for your Maryland cannabusiness.
CANNABIS LEGALIZATION HISTORY IN MARYLAND
Maryland has a limited history with cannabis legalization. In 2014, the state passed a medical cannabis law, which allowed for the use of cannabis for certain medical conditions with a doctor’s recommendation. However, the implementation of the program was delayed by regulatory challenges and legal disputes, leading to a slow rollout of medical cannabis sales
In 2010, Maryland had the fifth-highest overall arrest rate for marijuana possession in the United States, with 409 arrests per 100,000 residents. In that year, marijuana arrests made up 49.9% of all drug possession arrests in the state. In 2014, the state legislature decriminalized the possession of small amounts of cannabis for recreational use and created comprehensive guidelines for medical cannabis. Possession of less than 10 grams of recreational cannabis is now considered a civil offense in Maryland.
In 2019, the Maryland General Assembly passed a law to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis, making it a civil offense with a fine rather than a criminal offense with the possibility of jail time.
Beginning on July 2023, adults 21 and older can legally purchase marijuana from licensed dispensaries without a medical card. Recreational consumers will be able to buy cannabis alongside medical patients who use the drug to ease the symptoms of serious illnesses.