Governor Wes Moore of Maryland announced today that the state’s total medical and adult-use cannabis sales exceeded $1.1 billion in the first year since legalization. The Maryland Cannabis Administration reported that June retail sales topped $95 million, with the adult-use segment contributing over $67 million. Since the introduction of adult-use cannabis on July 1, 2023, sales in this category have reached more than $700 million, while medical sales approached $400 million.
Governor Moore highlighted the economic and social benefits of the market, stating, “Our new adult-use cannabis market isn’t only generating extraordinary economic activity – it’s also helping us build new pathways to work, wages, and wealth for all.” He emphasized the role of the cannabis industry in fostering statewide economic competitiveness and equity.
The past year has seen significant advancements in the governance and expansion of the cannabis industry in Maryland. The Maryland Cannabis Administration and the newly established Office of Social Equity have been at the forefront, introducing several initiatives:
- The launch of the first licensing round exclusively for social equity applicants, with over half of the 205 selected applicants reporting majority black or African American ownership.
- The establishment of the nation’s first state cannabis reference laboratory operated by a state cannabis regulatory agency.
- The collection of over $40 million in fees from cannabis businesses, funding the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund. This fund aids community-based initiatives in areas most affected by previous cannabis criminalization.
Additionally, the Maryland Department of Labor, in collaboration with industry partners, initiated the Cannabis Workforce Development Program, focusing on training individuals with past cannabis-related offenses. The Maryland Department of Health has launched the “BeCannabisSmart” campaign to promote safe cannabis use.
The Maryland Cannabis Administration also introduced a “Medical and Adult-Use Data Dashboard” for public access to industry metrics and expanded its staff to over 100 to handle the growing market demands.
Will Tilburg, Director of the Maryland Cannabis Administration, expressed pride in the collaborative efforts over the past year, “As exciting as the past year has been, we expect the year ahead to be even more so, as new social equity businesses bring their passion and innovation to the Maryland market.”
Office of Social Equity Executive Director Audrey Johnson also commented on the progress, noting the emphasis on inclusivity, “This milestone reflects the dedication and hard work of countless individuals who believe in the transformative power of equitable cannabis policies.”
For more information about the cannabis legalization timeline and other developments in Maryland’s cannabis industry, visit cannabis.maryland.gov.
