Maryland's Cannabis Industry: A Conversation with Director Tabitha Robinson

The cannabis landscape in the United States is evolving rapidly, with new policies, regulations, and market dynamics shaping its growth. In a recent episode of "Joint Session: Diverse Voices in New York State Cannabis," host Herb Barbot sat down with Tabitha Robinson, the newly appointed Director of the Maryland Cannabis Administration. Their conversation offered key insights into Maryland’s cannabis industry, social equity initiatives, and regulatory strategies.

A Transition from New York to Maryland

Robinson, formerly an executive at the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, brings a wealth of experience to Maryland. Her tenure in New York was marked by significant contributions to social equity programs, including the Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) initiative—designed to prioritize licenses for individuals disproportionately affected by past cannabis prohibitions.

While leaving New York was a difficult decision, Robinson saw an immense opportunity in Maryland’s cannabis industry. She emphasized Maryland’s strong market position and potential for continued growth, stating, "Maryland, as a cannabis industry, is in a really strong position right now and has a lot of potential to continue growing its market."

Social Equity and License Rollout Challenges

Maryland recently conducted a social equity-only license lottery, issuing over 190 conditional licenses. Robinson acknowledged the primary challenge now lies in transitioning these conditional license holders into fully operational businesses. With an 18-month window to establish operations, the Maryland Cannabis Administration is focused on ensuring licensees receive the necessary support to navigate regulatory hurdles and financial challenges.

Robinson noted that Maryland’s approach to social equity mirrors her work in New York, where 54% of licenses were granted to social and economic equity applicants—surpassing the state's initial 50% target. "We are always looking at the number of businesses that are open and profitable. We analyze their costs and determine where financial barriers exist," she explained.

Market Consolidation and Competition

As with many states, Maryland faces the challenge of balancing market growth with concerns over industry consolidation. Robinson highlighted the importance of partnerships with state agencies, such as the Department of Commerce, to provide grant funding and financial support to small businesses. These efforts aim to prevent smaller operators from being overshadowed by larger, more established entities.

"This consolidation is happening in cannabis and other industries as well. We have to work collaboratively with our partners to address these challenges and support independent operators," Robinson noted.

Medical Cannabis and Federal Legalization Preparation

One of Robinson’s top priorities is revitalizing Maryland’s medical cannabis market, which has seen a decline in sales since adult-use legalization in 2023. Despite this nationwide trend, Robinson remains committed to expanding medical cannabis access. "We say that cannabis is medicine, and I want to ensure that the market continues to meet the needs of patients," she stated.

Looking ahead, Robinson also stressed the need to prepare for potential federal legalization. While the timeline for federal reform remains uncertain, she emphasized that Maryland must position itself as a competitive player in an open national market. "Maryland has had over a billion dollars in sales revenue, and I want to ensure we continue growing, even when competing with other states and countries," she added.

The Future of Maryland’s Cannabis Industry

Under Robinson’s leadership, the Maryland Cannabis Administration is set to navigate the industry’s next phase with a focus on social equity, market stabilization, and policy evolution. As the state refines its regulatory framework and builds on its strong medical and adult-use foundation, Maryland aims to set an example for other states seeking to create a balanced and equitable cannabis market.

As discussions on cannabis reform continue nationwide, Robinson's expertise and dedication to policy development will be instrumental in shaping Maryland’s industry for years to come.

This article is adapted from Joint Session: Diverse Voices in New York State Cannabis. For more updates on New York’s cannabis industry, follow Joint Session on Instagram, and LinkedIn or visit Cannabis Wire.

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