Maryland
Adult Use + MedicalSales LiveState Regulatory Profile · Medical est. 2014 · Adult use est. 2022
Legal Status
Adult Use + Medical
Medical since 2014
Adult use since 2022
Market Tier
Emerging
Maturity of the regulated market
Tax Rate
12%
Cannabis excise / sales tax rate
Regulatory Framework
Program details
- Regulator
- MCASource
- Track & Trace
- METRCCOMAR 14.17.10.03 (Metrc)
- Lab Accreditation
- ISO 17025
- License Renewal
- 5-year
- Application Fee
- $2,000
- Retail Cap
- 300
- Apps Currently Open
- Yes
- Tax Rate
- 12%
- Market Tier
- Emerging
Program Features
Permitted activities
- Adult-Use Delivery
- ✓ YESCOMAR 14.17.12.04 (Dispensary Ops)
- Consumption Sites
- ✓ YESCOMAR 14.17.06.10 (On-Site Consumption License)
- Social Equity Program
- ✓ YESMd. Alc. Bev. and Cannabis 36-101(ff) (social equity applicant)
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Regulatory Timeline
- MAR 2024PROCEDURAL
First social-equity-only license lotteries
The Maryland Cannabis Administration runs the nation’s first licensing lotteries open exclusively to social-equity applicants, issuing 205 grower, processor, and dispensary licenses across rounds in March and June 2024.
- JUL 1, 2023LEGALIZATION
Adult-use retail sales begin
Existing medical dispensaries convert to dual licenses and begin adult-use sales the same day legalization takes effect — one of the fastest voter-approval-to-retail transitions in the country. Adults 21+ may possess 1.5 oz and grow two plants. A 9% sales tax applies.
- MAY 3, 2023REFORM
Moore signs Cannabis Reform Act
Gov. Wes Moore signs the Cannabis Reform Act (HB 556 / SB 516), creating the statutory framework for adult-use sales and establishing the Maryland Cannabis Administration to oversee both medical and adult-use programs.
- NOV 8, 2022LEGALIZATION
Voters approve Question 4
Maryland voters legalize adult-use cannabis by constitutional referendum, 65.5% in favor, winning all but one county. Takes effect July 1, 2023.
- DEC 2017PROCEDURAL
Medical cannabis sales begin
Maryland’s first licensed medical cannabis sales launch, roughly four years after the program was authorized, building the dispensary infrastructure later converted to adult-use.
- 2013LEGALIZATION
Medical cannabis program authorized
The legislature establishes Maryland’s medical cannabis program and the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission, though licensing and sales take years to come online.
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Regulatory profile data for Maryland is compiled from publicly available state sources and was last reviewed August 2026. Laws change frequently — verify with your state's official regulator before purchasing or consuming.