The Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) has revealed that the long-awaited lottery drawings for social equity cannabis licenses will take place on Thursday, March 14, 2024. This milestone event marks the first opportunity for new businesses to secure adult-use licenses since the state’s legalization of cannabis last summer.
Originally scheduled for earlier in the year, the lottery faced a delay of two and a half months. However, it now presents a crucial opportunity to foster inclusivity in Maryland’s burgeoning cannabis industry. The primary objective of this initial lottery wave is to provide avenues for individuals disproportionately affected by the war on drugs to participate in the state’s expanding cannabis sector.
From a pool of over 1,500 applicants who meet the social equity criteria, up to 179 will be selected through the lottery process. These applicants represent a diverse range of license types, including standard and micro dispensaries, as well as growers and processors.
“We know businesses are excited to join this growing industry and wish all the qualified social equity applicants good luck in the drawings,” remarked Will Tilburg, Director of the Maryland Cannabis Administration.
Despite legal challenges and technical obstacles, the lottery will proceed as planned. The live drawing event will be hosted on the MCA’s website, with an independent firm overseeing the process to ensure transparency and fairness.
The social equity program places a significant emphasis on supporting minority- and women-owned businesses, with a notable 84% of qualifying applications falling into these categories. Tilburg emphasized, “This is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive cannabis industry in Maryland.”
Following the lottery, selected applicants will undergo a verification process to confirm their compliance with social equity ownership requirements. Successful winners will be notified promptly about the subsequent steps in the licensing procedure.
For individuals seeking further details on the social equity program and the upcoming lottery, comprehensive information can be accessed on the Maryland Cannabis Administration website at: https://mmcc.maryland.gov/Pages/home.aspx.
