Reinvesting in Maryland: Cannabis Revenue, Community Repair, and Economic Opportunity at #MACoCon

The release of new Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund regulations gives counties greater clarity on how these resources can support communities in Maryland.

Since the legalization of adult-use cannabis, Maryland has shifted from building a regulatory framework to determining how cannabis-generated revenue can create lasting benefits for communities. Through the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF) and the work of the Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility’s Office of Social Equity, the state is directing resources toward communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis enforcement while expanding opportunities for economic growth, workforce development, and neighborhood revitalization. As counties continue to play a central role in delivering services and partnering with community organizations, understanding how these programs are evolving and how local governments can leverage them will be important to maximizing their impact.

Description: Maryland’s cannabis sector is evolving beyond regulation and retail sales to become a broader driver of community investment and economic opportunity. This session will explore how the Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility (DoSEM), through its Office of Social Equity (OSE), is working with counties and local partners to advance equitable economic development through cannabis-related initiatives and community reinvestment strategies. Panelists will provide updates on the implementation of the Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF), including the development of regulations, eligible uses, and ongoing efforts to educate local governments and community stakeholders about how these resources can support county priorities. Discussions will highlight the fund’s potential to address pressing local needs such as affordable housing, workforce development, violence prevention, and public health.

Speakers:

  • Walter Simmons, Secretary, Department of Social & Economic Mobility
  • Michael Bayrd, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, Office of Government Affairs, Comptroller of Maryland
  • Erin Shearman Karpewicz, Executive Director, Arundel Community Development Services

Moderator: The Honorable Antonio Hayes, Maryland Senate

Date/Time: Friday, August 14, 2026; 2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

MACo’s Summer Conference, “Build What’s Next,” takes place August 12–15, 2026, at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. For more information, visit the conference website.

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: