When it comes to adult-use cannabis, Maryland stands out as a model for other states to follow. Since the launch of its recreational cannabis program in July 2023, the state has consistently made headlines with impressive developments and thoughtful rollouts.
The program began with a smart transition from medical to recreational sales. Licensed medical dispensaries were the first to offer cannabis to adults 21 and over. However, a distinction remains: Maryland’s medical cannabis program, in place since 2014, grants patients access to higher-potency THC products, a wider variety of edibles ( with more mg per package ), stronger cultivars of flower, topicals, tinctures, suppositories, and exclusive product lines. Recreational consumers, on the other hand, are limited to flower ( within possession limits ), pre-rolls, vape cartridges ( within potency limits ), edibles ( capped at 10mg THC per serving and 100mg per package ), basic tinctures, topicals, capsules, and select lower-dose concentrates like rosin or shatter.
Maryland also allows home cultivation. Medical cannabis patients can grow up to four plants per household, while non-patients may grow up to two.
Phase Two: Building a Cannabis-Educated Workforce
In the second phase of the rollout, the state invested in cannabis education. Grants were awarded to colleges and universities to create degree and certificate programs designed to train professionals for the growing cannabis industry. Institutions such as the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (at the Universities at Shady Grove), Maryland University of Integrative Health, UMBC, Harford Community College, and the Maryland Cannabis Administration’s Workforce Development Program now offer pathways into the cannabis sector.
Phase Three: New Businesses and Dispensary Access
Next, the state approved a new wave of cannabis businesses to enter the adult-use market. These pre-approved, licensed operators were allowed to open dispensaries focused specifically on recreational customers. Maryland dispensaries are noted for their knowledgeable bud tenders, inviting store layouts, and product transparency. The state enforces strict cultivation and production standards to ensure consumer safety and product quality, aligning with its commitment to overall wellness.
Recent Developments: Home Products and Social Spaces
As of April and May 2025, Maryland adults are legally permitted to make their own edibles, tinctures, and non-volatile concentrates (like hash and rosin) at home. The state has also introduced 15 licenses for cannabis consumption lounges. These venues may serve THC-infused beverages and edibles, with some offering designated outdoor smoking areas depending on local regulations.
Events like Explore Maryland Cannabis and MJ Connect showcase the state’s thriving cannabis culture and recognize top contributors through annual awards.
A State with a Vision
Maryland continues to set the bar for responsible, forward-thinking cannabis legislation. Tabatha Robinson, Acting Director of the Maryland Cannabis Administration, brings a wealth of experience to her role and is dedicated to helping cannabis entrepreneurs build successful, compliant businesses.
Consumption lounges will offer a new, social way to enjoy cannabis—similar to cigar bars or hookah lounges—with the possibility of selling pre-rolls onsite in the near future. Importantly, dispensaries are prohibited from owning these lounges, which opens the door for more independent business opportunities.
If you’re planning a visit to Maryland, be sure to stop by a dispensary like Mary & Main, Remedy, or Green Point Wellness. With consumption lounges on the horizon and expanding educational and business initiatives, Maryland offers a promising landscape for cannabis consumers, entrepreneurs, and professionals alike. For those with industry experience willing to relocate, Maryland could be the next big opportunity.