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Maryland Cannabis Administration says on-site consumption and event authorizations removed from second licensing round
Summary
The Maryland Cannabis Administration told the House Economic Matters Committee that Senate amendments to SB215 postpone on-site consumption licensing and event authorizations from the second round, extend delivery deadlines for medical dispensaries and add statutory clarifications.
A Maryland Cannabis Administration representative told the House Economic Matters Committee that Senate amendments to Senate Bill 215 remove authorization for on-site consumption licenses in the second licensing round and strike event authorization from statute.
Lisonbee Butler, speaking for the Maryland Cannabis Administration, said the Senate amendments "remove MCA's explicit authorization to issue on-site consumption licenses in the second round and does not establish a firm timeline for issuing those licenses in subsequent rounds." Butler said the change "extends the launch of these licensing and registration categories, giving MCA and this body additional time to work out operational details and determine market necessity."
Butler outlined additional clarifications included in the amendments: closing a zoning-standard loophole for cannabis businesses; extending the deadline for dispensaries to continue delivering medical cannabis to patients and caregivers through June 30, 2026; and creating an exemption to statutory transfer restrictions for businesses intending to sell a license to employees through a federally designated employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
Committee members sought assurance that the legislature would have oversight and input on any future decision to authorize on-site consumption. One member said he wanted language ensuring the General Assembly would be notified and have a chance to weigh in before on-site consumption licenses were issued. Butler replied that the administration's intent was to coordinate with the General Assembly on timing.
The hearing record indicates the second licensing round remains contingent on completion of a statewide disparity study; witnesses said that study has not been completed and the statutory timeline for second-round licensing is tied to the disparity-study schedule. The amendments described by MCA representatives were passed in the Senate Finance Committee; the hearing concluded without a committee vote on SB215.
