Medical Marijuana Licenses Maryland
There has been fierce competition among cannabis processors and growers to secure one of Maryland’s 14 new medical marijuana licenses. Despite this competition, the state has taken steps to ensure that minority and women-owned businesses have a fair and equal chance of participating in Maryland’s medical marijuana industry.
Continue reading to learn how the state plans to diversify medical marijuana Maryland, including past and present challenges.
How Maryland Plans to Diversify Medical Marijuana
In 2018, Maryland lawmakers passed legislation to expand the medical marijuana industry and increase diversity. More specifically, they want to extend more opportunities for ownership to minority and women-run businesses.
Accordingly, these companies are hoping to have an equal chance of being awarded one of Maryland’s 14 new medical marijuana licenses. Of these, 4 will be awarded for cannabis growing and 10 will go to companies that will process the plant into medical products.
Past Issues that Have Excluded Women and Minorities
When the state awarded its first 15 medical marijuana maryland-licensed dispensaries over two years ago, none of the licenses were given to African-American of women-owned businesses. As a result, Maryland residents waged criticism and filed lawsuits due the lack of diversity in the state’s medical marijuana industry.
Current Problems with the Maryland Medical Marijuana Application Process
Even with Maryland’s efforts to promote diversity and increase transparency and fairness, the application process for the 14 new licenses has not gone as smoothly as intended. Most notably, applicants have faced numerous technical issues with the state’s online portal, which hindered the submission process.
However, regulators assured applicants that they would resolve these problems and that they would not negatively affect applications that were delayed due to transmission difficulties.
On a positive note, Maryland’s plan to the diversify the medical cannabis market resulted in 160 applications.
Learn More About How Maryland Plans to Diversify Medical Marijuana
For additional information about the medical marijuana Maryland market, please contact Dispensary Works today.
