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Maryland Cannabis Administration

Maryland Cannabis Administration Awards First-in-the-Nation Social Equity Business Licenses Across all License Types and Categories

News Release |

Linthicum Heights, MD – On Thursday, March 14, the Maryland Cannabis Administration conducted a lottery for 174 social equity business licenses across micro and standard grower, processor, and dispensary categories. The lottery, which was live streamed on the Maryland Cannabis Administration’s website, is the first application round in the nation that is designated exclusively for social equity applicants across all license types and categories.  

“The social equity license lottery expands Maryland’s cannabis industry and provides social equity businesses with new economic opportunities in the State,” said Maryland Cannabis Administration Director Will Tilburg. “I would like to thank the Moore-Miller Administration, the Maryland General Assembly and the Office of Social Equity for their continued support in this process.”  

"The lottery results affirm our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the cannabis industry. We are proud to see a significant representation of Black individuals, as well as women, among the selected applicants," said Office of Social Equity Executive Director Audrey Johnson. "This milestone underscores our ongoing dedication to providing access for Marylanders who were most harmed by the war on drugs." 

Awardee Breakdown

Next Steps 

Prior to the award of any licenses, the Maryland Cannabis Administration will verify material aspects of each application. As part of the review process, any claims regarding social equity ownership and control made in the application will be verified. Applicants selected in the lottery received additional information on the review process following the lottery drawings. 

Individuals whose applications were not selected in the lottery received information on future licensing rounds and other opportunities to be involved in Maryland’s cannabis industry.  The Maryland Cannabis Administration will allow these applicants to enter into subsequent drawings without paying an additional fee.