Bill > HB204

This bill establishes a new type of cannabis license called a Wholesaler License in Maryland, which will allow up to 15 entities to legally acquire, purchase, store, transport, and distribute cannabis or cannabis products between other cannabis licensees. The bill defines a "wholesaler" as an entity licensed and authorized by the state administration to perform these specific functions, with strict limitations on their activities. Wholesalers may purchase cannabis from other licensed entities, securely store cannabis independently or on behalf of other licensees, and transport or distribute cannabis to other cannabis licensees or independent testing laboratories. Importantly, wholesalers are prohibited from growing, processing, dispensing, transforming, repackaging, selling directly to consumers, importing, or exporting cannabis. The bill also specifies that a person may only own or control one wholesaler licensee, and sets an application fee of $5,000 for a wholesaler license. The administration will be required to create regulations governing wholesaler operations, focusing on safe storage, product testing, packaging compliance, and ensuring an equitable cannabis market. The new licensing category will take effect on July 1, 2025, and will be subject to potential expansion through a second round of licensing depending on the results of a disparity study examining business opportunities for minority- and women-owned firms in the cannabis market.

Business and Industry

Economic Matters (House)

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0204?ys=2025RS