Here’s the County-By-County Breakdown of the 179 Cannabis Business Licenses Available Later This Year

Application round exclusively for social equity applicants opens in November. The Maryland Cannabis Administration announced that the first application round for cannabis business licenses opens on November 13. More than 175 standard and micro cannabis grower, processor, and dispensary licenses available in the first round are exclusive to social equity applicants. A social equity applicant is an applicant that has at least 65 percent ownership and control held by one or more individuals who lived…

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After Years of Surpluses, State Budget Deficits Loom Large

A report from the Maryland Department of Legislative Services warns of looming structural deficits over the next four years, a stark change from last January, when DLS projected billions in structural surpluses between fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2028. Fiscal 2024 is projected to end with a fund balance of $367 million, and ongoing revenues exceed ongoing spending by $150 million. A $418 million structural deficit is anticipated for fiscal 2025. Structural challenges prevail for the…

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Adult-Use Cannabis: Taxes, Zoning, and Safety – Oh My!

At this year's MACo Summer Conference, learn best practices for navigating the fast-changing political, social, and regulatory landscape of adult-use cannabis. After an overwhelming share of Marylanders approved a referendum to legalize adult-use cannabis, the Maryland General Assembly passed sweeping legislation to address cannabis taxes, licensing, oversight, and more. As previously reported on Conduit Street, Maryland cannabis sales totaled more than $10 million over the July 4 holiday weekend as retail sales for adult consumers…

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Adult-Use Cannabis: New Guidance for MD Counties

As previously reported on Conduit Street, the purchase and possession of adult-use cannabis become legal in Maryland this Saturday, July 1. The Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission has transitioned to the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) as a new state agency with regulatory oversight of medical and adult-use (recreational) cannabis in Maryland. Nearly all existing medical dispensaries (approximately 100 locations statewide) have converted their licenses and, as of July 1, are permitted to sell both medical and…

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State to Study Online Casino Gaming, Issue Could Be Before Voters in 2024

SB 267, which put up for referendum the issuance of internet gaming licenses to video lottery operators in Maryland, fell short during the 2023 legislative session. However, budget language requires the Maryland Lottery to study online casino gaming and submit a report to the General Assembly. Online casinos enable gamblers to play and wager on casino games via the internet. While many states allow brick-and-mortar casinos and sports wagering, only six states allow online casinos:…

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Spiegel Tapped to Fill Vacant District 17 House Seat

The Montgomery County’s Democratic Central Committee selected Gaithersburg City Council Member Ryan Spiegel to fill a vacant seat in District 17 of the Maryland House of Delegates. Spiegel fills the seat vacated when Governor Moore appointed former Delegate Kumar Barve to serve on the Maryland Public Service Commission. Spiegel has served on the Gaithersburg City Council since 2007. In addition, Spiegel served as the 2019-2020 Maryland Municipal League president. His nomination is now under consideration…

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