The state’s voters approved cannabis last November, which will open the doors to cannabis cafes
Maryland’s recreational cannabis market is getting more and more noticeable, and the surprises it brings are making many voters pleased with the decision they made in November. Since the midterm elections, lawmakers have been working on the measure, finally unveiling the proposal that lays out how Maryland would handle its adult-use cannabis market in the coming months. State-licensed stores will be able to begin selling cannabis to customers 21 and older starting July 1.
According to the nearly 90-page bill, there will be several guidelines for the control, marketing, cultivation, and distribution of marijuana in the Old Line State. In addition, as seen in other jurisdictions, the document dictates a fund to support minority-owned businesses as well as a detailed explanation of the process for allocating business licenses.
Maryland Democratic State Senate President Bill Ferguson appears to be quite optimistic about the legislation. During a press conference last week, he said, “It has the potential to serve as a model for the country.” By this, he means that many other states could take a cue to establish new cannabis legalization laws on the books, providing a suitable mold should the plant be legalized at the federal level.
Thanks to Maryland’s new law, 75 cultivation facilities, 100 marijuana processing facilities and up to a total of 300 dispensaries would be allowed to open. Unlike many other states, the measure also allows for consumption areas, which means that up to 15 establishments, such as coffee shops, will be able to adapt their space for marijuana consumption in a social setting.