Maryland Medical Cannabis Market

On April 22, 2015, the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission (MMCC) met to further consider regulations to implement the medical Cannabis law. In May 2019, Maryland has legalized the sale of edible forms for medical cannabis.

Maryland’s first medical cannabis dispensaries opened in December 2017. MMCC’s data shows that total retail sales in Maryland reached almost $110 million in 2018, hit $250 million in 2019, almost doubled to achieve $450 million in 2020, exceeded $550 million in 2021 and totaled $511 million in 2022. 2023 brought in about $457 million.

Cannabis consumers in Maryland spent most of their dollars (59%) on flower and pre-rolled joints. Concentrates, the next largest share of the cannabis sales, captures 27%. Edibles, with 13%, came in third and other products categories represented less than 1% of the marketplace.

As of December 2023, 18 grower licenses, 23 processor licenses, 96 licensed dispensaries, 27 security and transport, 5 testing laboratories, 4 waste disposal and 1 delivery service licenses have been issued and 137,759 cannabis medical patients, 8,029 caregivers have been registered in the state.

Maryland Adult-Use Cannabis Market

On November 8, 2022, Maryland voters approved Questions 4 (the Marijuana Legalization Amendment), legalizing marijuana for adults 21 years of age or older beginning in July 2023 and directing the Maryland State Legislature to pass laws for the use, distribution, regulation, and taxation of marijuana. It is also automatically implementing House Bill 837 (HB 837), that temporarily expands decriminalization from January 1 to June 30, 2023.

Maryland 2022 ballot measures:

Marijuana Legalization Amendment. The measure would amend the Maryland Constitution to add a new article, which would authorize individuals 21 years of age or older to use and possess marijuana.

The amendment passed with a vote of 65.54 percent for and 34.46 percent against.

Beginning July 1, 2023, HB 837 legalizes the personal use and possession of up to 1.5 ounces or 12 grams of concentrated cannabis for individuals 21 years of age or older and the possession of up to two cannabis plants.

How to Start a Cannabis Business in Maryland?

95 dispensaries and 42 growers and processors have successfully converted to the medical and adult-use market. Adult-use sales reached $332 million in the first 6 months of launch, compared to $215 million in medical-only sales in the same period.

Maryland Cannabis Market Infographics

Cannabis Cultivation and Retail Business Plan Sample, Maryland

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