Bill > SB221

This bill establishes a new category of cannabis license called a wholesaler license in Maryland, which will be limited to 15 initial licenses and 10 additional licenses in a potential second round. A wholesaler is defined as an entity authorized to acquire, purchase, store, transport, and distribute cannabis or cannabis products between other cannabis licensees. The wholesaler will have specific permissions and restrictions: they can purchase cannabis from licensed entities, securely store cannabis independently or for other licensees, and transport cannabis to other licensees or testing laboratories. Importantly, wholesalers cannot grow, process, dispense, or sell directly to consumers, transform or repackage cannabis, import or export cannabis, or conduct any activities requiring additional licenses. The bill specifies that a person can only own one wholesaler license and must pay a $5,000 application fee, with potential fee reductions for social equity licenses. The Administration will be responsible for adopting regulations to ensure safe storage, product testing, packaging compliance, and maintaining an equitable cannabis market. The new licensing provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing a structured approach to introducing wholesalers into Maryland's cannabis market.

Budget and Finance

Finance (Senate)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0221?ys=2025RS