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Maryland's high demand market undermined by restrictions, delays

Photo by Soru Epotok/stock.adobe.com

The rollout of Maryland's social equity cannabis program has faced significant delays, with none of the businesses open nearly a year after they were awarded licenses.

Part of the issue is that it's difficult to attract investors to a business and challenging to find real estate.

Maryland's cannabis regulations require that the original social equity applicant retain 51% ownership in the company. A separate social equity partner can own 14% of the company, leaving just 35% for a non-social equity investor.

Further complicating matters is that the original social equity licensee must hold the license for five years, a measure taken after witnessing social equity applicants in other states flipping their licenses soon after they were awarded. Read story >

More Headlines

• California extends hemp-derived THC ban. Read story >
• Kansas introduces bills to legalize adult-use and medical marijuana. Read story >
• Delaware cannabis licensees push state to let them open for business. Read story >

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Hundreds of Humboldt marijuana farmers expected to lose licenses over tax debt

(Photo by MJBizDaily/Emerald)

Legal cannabis production in California increased by 11.8% to 1.4 million pounds in 2024, according to a new report commissioned by the state's Department of Cannabis Control.

However, an enormous illicit marijuana market continues to thrive despite the efforts of regulators and law enforcement, with illegal production totaling an estimated 11.4 million pounds, according to the analysis from Davis, California-based ERA Economics.

Most of that illicit cannabis is still shipped out of state to destinations unknown, according to the report.

And while licensed production in the state is 1.4 million pounds, overall cannabis consumption in California is 3.8 million pounds.

With in-state illicit sales totaling nearly twice California's legal sales, those numbers suggest that while the legal market still has potential to grow, major interventions will be needed to convince consumers to stop patronizing unlicensed operators. Read story >

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More Headlines

• Florida judge dismisses Trulieve's legalization defamation lawsuit. Read story >
• Idaho bill would eliminate voter approval for marijuana legalization. Read story >
• Cannabis store owner owes $930,000 in back taxes, indictment alleges. Read story >
• Cannabis vape companies worry Chinese tariffs will cause safety crisis. Read story >
• Kentucky drops hemp-derived THC drinks ban, will limit & regulate. Read story >
• Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission can issue medical marijuana licenses. Read story >
• California's Glass House secures $50 million credit line. Read story >
• Suspicions that DEA rigged rescheduling process fueled by court documents. Read story >
• Ohio House Republicans' cannabis measure a 'slap in face,' NORML says. Read story >

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