Read more about the article Q2 Cannabis Revenues Top $18M, Counties Get Less Than $430K
Source: Comptroller of Maryland
Cannabis / Taxes and Revenues
Q2 Cannabis Revenues Top $18M, Counties Get Less Than $430K

Adult-use cannabis sales in Maryland generated more than $18 million in tax revenue during the second quarter of 2025. Yet counties, which shoulder the brunt of zoning, public safety, and health responsibilities tied to cannabis businesses, saw only a fraction of those dollars flow back into local budgets. Maryland taxes adult-use cannabis at 9%, rising to 12% on July 1 under legislation passed during the 2025 General Assembly session. But only a small share —…

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September 8, 2025
Read more about the article #MACoCon Recap: Balancing Public Safety and Employee Rights in the Cannabis Era
Cannabis / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Summer Conference
#MACoCon Recap: Balancing Public Safety and Employee Rights in the Cannabis Era

Since the legalization of adult-use cannabis in Maryland, the conversation around workplace policies has only intensified, especially for public sector employers managing safety-sensitive roles. At MACo’s Summer Conference, a panel of human resources, legal, labor, and public safety leaders unpacked the complex and often conflicting forces shaping local government policy in this evolving space. Tom Coe, Fire Chief for Frederick County’s Division of Fire and Rescue Services, opened with a reality check on what cannabis…

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August 20, 2025
Read more about the article Up in Smoke? Balancing Public Safety and Employee Rights in the Cannabis Era 
Cannabis / Employee Benefits and Relations / Human Resources / Labor / Summer Conference
Up in Smoke? Balancing Public Safety and Employee Rights in the Cannabis Era 

As legal cannabis use becomes more common, local governments are caught navigating evolving workplace rights and public safety responsibilities. With no clear test for impairment and increasing legislative pressure, counties must find a path forward that protects both their workforce and their communities. Since Maryland voters approved adult-use cannabis legalization in 2022 and retail sales launched in 2023, the implications for employers, especially public sector employers, have rapidly evolved. While cannabis use is now legal…

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August 4, 2025
Read more about the article Governor Calls for New Site Search for Cannabis Incubator Project
Cannabis / County News / News You Can Use
Governor Calls for New Site Search for Cannabis Incubator Project

Catonsville Armory site scrapped amid local pushback. Governor Wes Moore this week scrapped plans to locate a first-in-the-nation cannabis incubator at the Catonsville Armory in Baltimore County, directing state agencies to begin a new search for a more suitable site. The incubator will support social equity micro-licensees — small businesses led by individuals whom the cannabis industry has historically excluded — with technical assistance, programming, and workspace. The project is a significant component of Maryland's…

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July 2, 2025
Read more about the article Q1 Cannabis Revenue Update: Millions to State, Pennies to Counties
Cannabis / Taxes and Revenues
Q1 Cannabis Revenue Update: Millions to State, Pennies to Counties

The Maryland Comptroller’s Office reported $17.5 million in tax revenue from adult-use cannabis sales during the first quarter of 2025. The Central Region — including Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties — led all regions in collections, contributing nearly $8 million. Maryland currently taxes adult-use cannabis at 9%, but beginning July 1, that rate will rise to 12% under legislation passed during the 2025 General Assembly session. But only a…

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June 18, 2025
Read more about the article MACo Working to Ensure Local Autonomy Over Cannabis Events
Business Affairs / Cannabis / MACo Testimony
MACo Working to Ensure Local Autonomy Over Cannabis Events

On January 30, Associate Director of Policy Karrington Anderson testified before the Finance Committee in support of SB 215 - Cannabis - On-site Consumption Establishment and Cannabis Events with amendments. This bill allows the holder of a cannabis event registration to host certain cannabis events and authorizes counties to assess fees, authorize events, or restrict them within their jurisdictions. MACo requested modest clarifying amendments to preserve local authority and ensure effective oversight. The bill should…

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February 3, 2025
Read more about the article MD Dept of Health Launches Cannabis Public Health Dashboard
Cannabis / County News / Health and Human Services
MD Dept of Health Launches Cannabis Public Health Dashboard

The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) has launched the Maryland Cannabis Public Health Data Dashboard. The dashboard is designed to monitor and visualize cannabis-related public health trends. This tool provides a user-friendly and comprehensive view of cannabis-related trends, enabling policymakers, public health professionals, and residents to better understand the implications of adult-use cannabis legalization. The dashboard tracks key indicators such as: Emergency department visits Youth and adult cannabis use Calls to Maryland and D.C. Poison…

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November 18, 2024
Read more about the article 2024 Election Results: Unpacking State and Local Ballot Measures Nationwide
Cannabis / County Budgets / Elections / Housing and Community Development / News You Can Use / Transportation and Public Works
2024 Election Results: Unpacking State and Local Ballot Measures Nationwide

The 2024 General Election showcased pivotal state and local ballot measures that could reshape policies on taxes, housing, transportation, and cannabis. From high-stakes tax reforms to crucial infrastructure and housing decisions, voters made their voices heard. These decisions reflect a broad spectrum of voter priorities, and each measure carries significant implications for local governance and community development, signaling potential policy shifts that could resonate well beyond state lines. Here, Conduit Street breaks down some of…

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November 6, 2024
Read more about the article Maryland’s Cannabis Tax Revenues Surge: Big State Gains, Tiny Local Share
Cannabis / County Budgets / County News / Taxes and Revenues
Maryland’s Cannabis Tax Revenues Surge: Big State Gains, Tiny Local Share

According to the latest Cannabis Quarterly Update from Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Maryland collected $22.4 million in cannabis taxes from April to June 2024, marking a 52 percent increase compared with revenue collected in Q1 of 2024. Despite this surge, local governments still receive only a tiny portion of the revenue. Why it matters: Adult-use cannabis in Maryland carries a 9 percent sales tax, which supports several State funds. Local governments, however, receive just 5…

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September 24, 2024
Read more about the article MCA Guidance Clarifies, Expands County Flexibility in Cannabis Regulations
Courtesy of Maryland Cannabis Administration
Cannabis / County News / Feature / Planning and Zoning
MCA Guidance Clarifies, Expands County Flexibility in Cannabis Regulations

The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) has released new zoning guidance following the passage of HB 805 during the 2024 legislative session. This legislation, effective June 1, 2024, offers counties expanded flexibility in regulating cannabis business locations while ensuring consistency across the state. Standard Dispensaries: Local Authority and Restrictions Standard dispensaries are storefronts that sell cannabis products to consumers and are subject to specified zoning requirements. The MCA has limited the number of dispensary licenses per…

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September 5, 2024
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