Bill > SB726

This bill modifies Maryland's cannabis licensing regulations by introducing new requirements related to labor organizations and labor peace agreements. The bill defines a "bona fide labor organization" as one that complies with federal labor reporting laws and is actively working to organize cannabis industry employees. The Maryland Cannabis Administration will now be required to consider specific factors when determining if a labor organization meets this definition, including whether the organization represents employees, has a bargaining agreement, is spending resources on organizing, has filed labor grievances, or has engaged in labor-related actions against cannabis businesses. Additionally, cannabis licensees will be required to execute a labor peace agreement (an agreement that prevents labor organizations from picketing, striking, or boycotting) prior to their first license renewal and must maintain and abide by this agreement as a condition of continued licensure. The bill also expands protest rights for license renewals by allowing bona fide labor organizations to file protests against cannabis license renewals, in addition to the existing provisions that allow local residents and commercial tenants to do so. These provisions will take effect on October 1, 2025, and aim to establish more structured labor relations within Maryland's cannabis industry.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0726?ys=2025RS